A 32-year-old member asked:
what is anorexia and how do people become anorexic?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
Anorexia: Is decrease sensation of appetite. Symptoms depend on cause of anorexia, for example anorexia nervosa which cause binging, purging, amenorrhea, fatigue, swollen joints, hair loss, etc. Etiology unknown in most cases of eating disorders, but genetics, environmental, psychological & medical factors can attribute.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 22-year-old member asked:
What is anorexia?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Steven Bowersanswered
Internal Medicine 33 years experience
Definition: Anorexia - diminished appetite. Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric condition in which the affected person has a distorted body image and through various behaviors loses body weight. The weight loss can be severe enough to produce significant malnutrition and even death.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
What is called anorexia nervosa and how can it be treated?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Maged Zakyanswered
Internal Medicine 10 years experience
Anorexia nervosa: Usually respond to psychotherapy and antidepressive medication, also assess organic cause or GI problem , has to be rulled out as well/ endocrinal/ hormonal.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 25-year-old member asked:
How can I recover my physical strength after suffering from anorexia?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Paul Cohenanswered
Family Medicine 28 years experience
Slowly...: The more you eat; the more your body will re-nourish; recovering your energy levels and overall strength.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 25-year-old member asked:
What should you do if you think someone you know has anorexia?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Alfredo Sotoanswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Seek Help Soon: Anorexia nervosa can be a very deadly disease if left untreated. The person can develop heart problems suddenly if she is not getting the proper nutrients. If you suspect someone has anorexia, you should encourage that person to seek help as soon as possible. How you do that depends on your relationship to that person.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Which treatment is effective for anorexia nervosa?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Kevin Considineanswered
Family Medicine 30 years experience
Depends: Most eating disorders if they are moderate to severe are very difficult to treat. I would recommend enrolling into a formal program and probably an inpatient treatment program so that you can get the multi disciplinary support that you need. But call you doctor first.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Aug 6, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$30 per visit with
membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.