Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and it can show up in different ways for different people. The three main forms of anorexia are restrictive anorexia, binge/purge anorexia and atypical anorexia:

Restrictive anorexia

This is what most people imagine when they think of anorexia, and it is when someone limits their food intake to extreme levels. Restrictive anorexia symptoms include counting every calorie, skipping meals or avoiding certain foods altogether to lose weight or stay thin.

Binge/purge anorexia

Binge/purge anorexia involves periods of eating large amounts of food (bingeing) followed by trying to get rid of the calories through vomiting, laxatives or excessive exercise (purging).

Atypical anorexia

Atypical anorexia is similar to restrictive anorexia except that the person may not appear underweight. Despite this, they still experience the same intense fear of gaining weight and engage in the same harmful behaviours to stay in control. This can make atypical anorexia harder to spot, but it’s just as serious as other forms.

When making an anorexia diagnosis, doctors and eating disorder specialists will assess the person’s anorexia symptoms and behaviours. This can help them identify which type of anorexia the person is suffering from so that the right support and treatment can be given.

Anorexia is a complicated condition that can develop because of a mix of things going on in your body, your mind and the environment you live in.

Genetics and biology can play a major part. If you have a family history of eating disorders, anxiety or depression, you might be more likely to develop anorexia. Your brain chemistry could also make you more vulnerable as certain chemicals in your brain that control mood and appetite might be out of balance.

Psychological factors are another big piece of the puzzle. If you tend to be a perfectionist, have high levels of anxiety or struggle with low self-esteem, you might be more at risk. You might start to feel that controlling your weight is the only way to feel good about yourself or to get approval from others.

Social and environmental pressures can also push you toward anorexia. The constant pressure to be thin, especially with the images we see in the media, can make you feel like you have to look a certain way to be accepted. Sometimes, things like bullying, trauma, divorce, childhood abuse or major life changes can lead you to try to control your life through food and weight.

Anorexia is a really tough and dangerous condition that can affect every part of your life. Some of the most worrying dangers include:

Physical health risks

When you don’t eat enough, your body starts to break down muscle and fat just to keep going. This can lead to severe weight loss, feeling weak all the time and constant exhaustion.

Your bones can also become fragile, making you more likely to break something if you fall.

Even your heart can be affected as your heart rate might slow down and your blood pressure drop, which can both be really dangerous.

Malnutrition is another big problem. Without the right nutrients, your immune system weakens, making it easier to get sick. You might also notice your hair falling out, your skin getting dry, or your teeth getting problems because your body isn’t getting what it needs to stay healthy.

Mental health and emotional issues

Anorexia often comes with anxiety, depression or obsessive thoughts about food and weight. You might find yourself constantly thinking about what you eat, how much you weigh or how you look, and it can start to take over your life. This can make you feel isolated and very lonely, especially if you start avoiding friends and family because you think they won’t understand what you’re going through.

Emotional pain is another part of anorexia that can be really hard to deal with. The pressure to stay in control of your eating and weight can be overwhelming, and it can lead to feelings of hopelessness, self-harm or even thoughts of suicide.

An increased risk of addiction

Anorexia and addiction are often considered to be similar conditions due to the compulsive behaviours they create. However, anorexia may also increase your risk of addiction as drugs, alcohol, or harmful behaviours can become a way to cope. This can lead to a dangerous cycle where you’re not only struggling with anorexia but also battling an addiction.

Long-term anorexia symptoms

Long-term effects of anorexia can stick with you even after you start to recover. You might face ongoing issues like infertility, heart problems or chronic tiredness. The longer anorexia goes untreated, the more serious these effects can become, which is why getting help as soon as possible is so important.

Oasis Bradford’s sister centre, Banbury Lodge, is one of the top anorexia treatment centres in the UK. Banbury Lodge’s anorexia treatment programmes are based on the knowledge that recovery doesn’t just mean eating more; it means peeling back the layers of emotional and psychological struggles that fuel the disorder.

At Banbury Lodge, you will receive inpatient rehab treatment that is tailored to your specific needs. This includes bespoke meal plans alongside therapy sessions that help you confront and heal the underlying issues driving your anorexia. The anorexia treatment approach is holistic, meaning it focuses on healing your whole self – body, mind and spirit.

Banbury Lodge offers a full year of free aftercare to ensure you stay on the right path even after you leave. This includes weekly group therapy sessions where you can share your experiences, gain support and stay connected to your recovery goals. With the right support and a comprehensive approach, you can find your way back to a healthier, happier life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with anorexia nervosa, now is the time to reach out for help. Banbury Lodge can guide you every step of the way, offering compassionate care that addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of anorexia. Don’t wait until things get worse – take that first step toward healing today.