Anorexia is a very serious eating disorder and mental illness. It can have potentially life-threatening consequences.

Anorexia is not the same as bulimia. People with bulimia usually go through two regular stages. First, they will eat a lot of food in a short space of time (known as ‘binging’). Afterwards, they will go to great lengths to get rid of the food they’ve eaten (which may involve throwing up). This second stage is known as ‘purging’.

Anorexia doesn’t follow the same cycle of behaviour. Instead, it involves constant food restrictions. People with anorexia might begin restricting, which means they limit the amount of food or the type of food that they eat. It can be linked to orthorexia, a different type of restrictive eating disorder that is concerned with the healthiness or cleanliness of food. You can learn more about that in this ABC video. 

People with anorexia also may stop eating food altogether, which makes their bodies weak and unwell. People suffering from anorexia require professional help to overcome their disorder.

The most important thing to remember about anorexia is that it is not a lifestyle choice or a strict diet gone too far. People with anorexia are genuinely unwell and need professional help.

Here is an informative fact sheet about anorexia from the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, and an informational video about how anorexia can affect a diverse range of young people.

Characteristics of anorexia

• Weight loss
  • People with anorexia will have lost an extreme amount of weight. This weight loss may occur over a very short space of time. However, people of any weight or size can have anorexia. You cannot tell who has an eating disorder by their appearance. 

• Disturbed Body Image
  • Anorexia can prevent people from seeing their body as it really is. This means that even though they are dramatically underweight, they will not be able to see themselves this way. Instead, they may be convinced that they are ‘fat’ or abnormal. 
  • This can be linked to a condition called body dysmorphia, where a person obsesses over a part of their body or what they perceive as a ‘flaw’ that others can’t see. To learn more about this condition, you can watch this informational video and ABC investigative piece.

• Fear of gaining weight
  • Anorexia Nervosa can cause individuals to have an intense fear of weight gain, even though they are clearly starving or underweight.

There are also other subtypes of anorexia, click here for more information. 

Why do people suffer from anorexia?

That’s a really tough question to answer. There are a whole range of factors that can influence the potential for someone to develop anorexia. Some known risk factors include:

• Genetics
• Psychological factors
• Socio-cultural factors
• Society (magazines, celebrity culture, school, friends, family)

Other risk factors are:

• Self Esteem
• Negative Body Image
• Perfectionism
• Dieting
• Extreme weight loss goals

Click here to read more about eating disorder risk factors. 

Is it possible to recover from anorexia nervosa?

Yes. It isn’t an easy journey but with the right support and treatment plan, a full recovery is possible. Seeking professional help and maintaining a commitment to your health goals will greatly increase the chance of returning to full health.

To learn more about the process of recovery, listen to this Ted Talk by Catherine Pawley who has recovered from anorexia and is sharing her story. 

Getting Help

It’s very important to seek help straight away if you suspect that you or someone you know might be suffering from anorexia. Professional support is the key to getting well.

• Your GP will be able to help and refer you to a specialist who helps people overcome conditions like this all the time. 
  • If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with a trusted adult, check out our post on ‘Going to the Doctor on Your Own’ for more info on making an appointment and finding a doctor that suits you. 
• Talk to your doctor or visit the National Eating Disorder Collaboration website for more information on help in your local area.
• Beyond Blue is another free, confidential counselling service, with trained professionals available to talk through your situation.
• The Butterfly Club has wonderful resources and a national helpline: 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email.
• Kid’s helpline and Lifeline are also wonderful resources.