Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder involving restriction of food, fear of weight gain, body image distress and health risks. It is not simply a “phobia of eating” and it should be treated as a medical and mental health concern.

Please seek treatment: Eating disorders can become dangerous and may require medical monitoring. If you or someone you care about is restricting food, losing weight, fainting, purging, over-exercising or feeling unable to eat normally, please contact a GP, psychologist, dietitian, eating-disorder service or emergency care.

Possible warning signs

Avoiding meals or eating only a very small range of foods.
Strong fear of gaining weight or intense distress about body shape.
Excessive exercise, secrecy around food, or rituals around eating.
Feeling cold, dizzy, weak, exhausted or unable to concentrate.
Changes in mood, withdrawal from family or friends, or denial that anything is wrong.

Why professional help matters

Anorexia can affect the heart, brain, hormones, bones, digestion and overall safety. Recovery is possible, but it is best supported by qualified health professionals who understand eating disorders.

Take the next step toward support

Information can be helpful, but lasting progress often begins when you seek treatment and support. If fear, anxiety, avoidance, low mood, OCD symptoms or eating concerns are affecting your life, please speak with a qualified health professional.

Our AI Phobia Support Chat can help you calmly explore what is happening and prepare questions for a doctor, psychologist or counsellor. It does not replace professional care.

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Seek treatment early

If fear, panic, avoidance, low mood, OCD symptoms or eating concerns are affecting daily life, please seek treatment from a qualified GP, psychologist, counsellor or mental health professional.

In crisis?

If you feel at risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department now.