Health encyclopaedia

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Diagnosis of Anorexia nervosa

Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa can be difficult because most people with the condition deny that they are ill and are usually brought to treatment by a family member. Also, anorexia varies in severity between individuals.

Diagnosis involves an assessment of both psychological and physical factors. It may involve an evaluation of a person’s attitude to weight, food, dieting and body image.

Physically the anorexic’s body weight will be at least 15% less than the expected weight for height and age. A woman will normally have missed at least three consecutive periods due to weight loss. Someone with anorexia might visit their GP because of symptoms such as loss of periods, abdominal pain, bloating or constipation.

Work out your body mass index number here

A doctor will need to rule out other physical conditions such as diabetes and overactive thyroid, which can cause weight loss and other symptoms associated with anorexia.

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