About anorexia nervosa

The diagnosis criteria for anorexia nervosa are:

• A refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (eg, weight loss leading to a maintenance of body weight less than 85 per cent of that expected or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth leading to body weight less than 85 per cent of that expected)
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
• Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight
• In females who have started menstrating, the absence of at least three or more consecutive menstrual cycles. (A woman is considered to have amenorrhea if her periods occur only following hormone, e.g. oestrogen, administration)
• Specified types:
  • Restricting type: during the current episode of anorexia nervosa, the person has not regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behaviour (ie, self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas)
  • Binge-Eating/Purging Type: during the current episode of anorexia nervosa the person has regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behaviour (ie, self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas).

If you recognise yourself in these descriptions, it is important that you seek help to effect anorexia recovery. Eating disorders are very isolating in their nature and are very difficult to battle alone. Left untreated they can have a seriously detrimental effect on your health. You should approach your GP to find the appropriate experts in your local area who can help you towards anorexia recovery.  

For more anorexia information

If you would like to talk to us about help and support for you or someone you care for please contact us  or visit our Care Finder to find an anorexia recovery service close to you.