May also be called: Anorexia Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess over food intake, eat as little as possible, and lose more weight than is considered healthy for someone of their age and weight. More to Know People with anorexia nervosa have an extreme fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size and shape. As a result, they strive to maintain a very low body weight through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. The causes of anorexia aren't entirely clear, but a combination of psychological, genetic, social, and family factors are thought to be involved. Many kids and teens with anorexia — which often develops between the ages of 11 and 13 — have low self-esteem, and their focus on weight can be an attempt to gain control at a time when their lives feel more out of control. Anorexia causes the body to go into starvation mode, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health problems. Complications include a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate; brittle bones and swollen joints; abnormal electrolytes; heart problems; and anemia. Treatment focuses on coping with disordered eating behaviors and establishing new patterns of thinking about and approaching food. This can involve medical supervision, nutritional counseling, therapy, and possibly hospitalization if the person with anorexia is severely malnourished. Keep in Mind Dealing with anorexia nervosa can be hard and may require long-term treatment, but many people with the disorder make a full recovery. In general, the earlier the intervention (ideally before malnutrition starts), the shorter the treatment required. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Body Dysmorphic Disorder For teens, concerns about appearances often take center stage. But if these concerns are all-consuming, cause extreme distress, and keep them from doing and thinking about other things, it may be a sign of a condition called body dysmorphic disorder. Read More Body Dysmorphic Disorder For some people, worries about appearance become extreme and upsetting, interfering with their lives, a condition called body dysmorphic disorder. Read More Taking Your Child to a Therapist Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better. Read More Compulsive Exercise Compulsive exercise can lead to serious health problems. Lots of people don't know when they've crossed the line from healthy activity to unhealthy addiction. Read about ways to tell. Read More Compulsive Exercise Even though exercise has many positive benefits, too much can be harmful. Teens who exercise compulsively are at risk for both physical and psychological problems. Read More Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating is a type of eating disorder. This article for teens explains what it is, how to recognize it, and how to get help. Read More Female Athlete Triad Female athlete triad is a combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea (loss of a girl's period), and osteoporosis (a weakening of the bones). Read More Binge Eating Disorder Kids who eat unusually large amounts of food - and feel guilty or secretive about it - could be struggling with binge eating disorder. Read More Body Image and Self-Esteem When your body changes, so can your image of yourself. Find out how your body image affects your self-esteem and what you can do. Read More Encouraging a Healthy Body Image A healthy and positive body image means liking your body, appreciating it, and feeling grateful for its qualities and capabilities. Parents can help kids develop a healthy body image. Read More Eating Disorders Eating disorders are so common in America that 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will struggle with one. Find out more. Read More Eating Disorders Eating disorders are common among teens and kids, especially young women. Read about the warning signs, prevention strategies, and ways to help a child with an eating disorder. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.