Anorexia Nervosa: Understanding, Recognising, and Treating a Serious Eating Disorder
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition characterised by extreme restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Left untreated, it can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences.
If you or someone you love is struggling with anorexia, it’s important to know that help is available—and recovery is possible with the right support.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa involves persistent behaviours to prevent weight gain, despite already being underweight. This condition is not simply about dieting or vanity is a complex illness that requires compassionate, professional treatment.
Common signs of anorexia nervosa include:
– Dramatic weight loss or being significantly underweight
– Obsessive thoughts about calories, food, and body shape
– Avoiding meals or eating in secret
– Excessive exercise to “burn off” calories
– Feeling worthless or anxious about weight gain
Early intervention improves outcomes and helps protect both physical and mental health.
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Types of Anorexia Nervosa
There are two main types of anorexia nervosa, which can help clinicians tailor the most effective treatment plan:
Restricting Type
People primarily lose weight by severely limiting calories, fasting, or over-exercising without regular episodes of bingeing or purging.
Binge-Eating/Purging Type
Individuals regularly engage in binge eating (consuming large amounts of food) or purging behaviours, such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives.
While the patterns differ, both types are equally serious and require professional care.
Why Professional Support Matters?
Anorexia nervosa can affect every system in the body, leading to complications like heart problems, hormonal imbalances, and bone loss. Alongside the physical impact, it often causes anxiety, depression, and isolation.
Effective treatment usually combines:
– Medical care: Monitoring weight, nutrition, and overall health
– Psychological therapy: Such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop healthier habits
– Nutritional counselling: Supporting a gradual return to balanced eating
– Family involvement: Helping loved ones understand the illness and provide appropriate support
Compassionate Treatment in Abu Dhabi
At Maudsley Health, our multidisciplinary team specialises in treating anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders with evidence-based approaches. We create personalised treatment plans to help individuals regain physical health, build self-worth, and develop sustainable coping skills.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, don’t wait. Early intervention can make recovery more achievable.
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Take the First Step Toward Healing
Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible. With the right help, you can rebuild a healthier relationship with food, body, and self.
Contact Maudsley Health today to learn more about our comprehensive eating disorder services and schedule a confidential consultation
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Do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance. We are always here to help.