Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

Anorexia can occur to people as young as age 7.

However, the disorder most usually begins during

adolescence. It is most likely to start at one of two

times, either age 14 or 18. Interestingly, this corre-

sponds with the age of transitioning into and out of

high school. The younger the age at which anorexic

behavior starts, the more difficult it is to cure. Preteens

who develop anorexia often show signs of compulsive

behavior and depression in addition to anorexia.

Causes and symptoms

Causes

Anorexia is a complex disorder that does not have

a single cause. Research suggests that some people

have a predisposition toward anorexic and that some-

thing then triggers the behavior, which then becomes

self-reinforcing. Hereditary, biological, psychological

and social factors all appear to play a role.

Heredity. Twin studies show that if one twin has ano-

rexia nervosa, the other has a greater likelihood of

developing the disorder. Having a close relative, usu-

ally a mother or a sister, with anorexia nervosa also

increases the likelihood of other (usually female) fam-

ily members developing the disorder. However, when

compared to many other diseases, the inherited com-

ponent of anorexia nervosa appears to be fairly small.

Biological factors. There is some evidence that ano-

rexia nervosa is linked to abnormal neurotransmitter

activity in the part of the brain that controls pleasure

and appetite. Neurotransmitters are also involved in

Brain and Nerves

confused thought, fear of gaining weight, sad, moody, irritable, bad memory,

fainting, changes in brain chemistry

Hair

hair thins and gets brittle

Heart

low blood pressure, slow heart rate, fluttering of the heart (palpitations),

heart failure

Blood

anemia and other blood problems

Muscles, Joints, and Bones

weak muscles, swollen joints, bone loss, fractures, osteoporosis

Kidneys

kidney stones, kidney failure

Body Fluids

low potassium, magnesium, and sodium

Intestines

constipation, bloating

Hormones

periods stop, growth problems, trouble getting pregnant. If pregnant, higher

risk for miscarriage, having a C-section, baby with low birthweight, and

postpartum depression.

Skin

bruise easily, dry skin, growth of fine hair all over body, get cold easily, yellow

skin, nails get brittle

Effects of anorexia on the body

SOURCE: Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

(Illustration by GGS Information Services/Thomson Gale.)

Anorexia nervosa