Anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder in which restriction driven by fear of weight gain and disturbed body image causes significantly low weight, starvation physiology and potentially life-threatening medical instability.
Definition
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight, fear of weight gain or persistent behaviour preventing weight restoration, and a disturbed experience of weight or shape or lack of recognition of the seriousness of the low weight.
First principles
The illness is driven by weight and shape overvaluation
Anorexia nervosa is not simply poor appetite or a wish to eat healthily. Restriction, driven by fear of weight gain and a disturbed experience of body weight or shape, persists despite significantly low weight and medical harm. The disorder may be concealed and the person may minimise its seriousness, so a normal-looking presentation or apparent cooperation does not exclude risk.
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