Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that can lead to life-threatening health problems. People with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. They may severely restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, and purge (vomit or use laxatives) to lose weight.
Research has shown that people with anorexia nervosa often come from families that are characterized by certain patterns of interaction. These families may be overly focused on appearance and thinness, and they may have a history of eating disorders. Parents may be critical of their child’s weight and eating habits, and they may pressure the child to lose weight. This can create a negative body image and an unhealthy obsession with weight and food.
