Anorexia involves extreme food restriction, often driven by a fear of gaining weight or a distorted view of one’s body.

It’s not just about food. This condition is tied to emotional and psychological struggles, such as feeling out of control or unworthy.

Physical symptoms may include noticeable weight changes, fatigue, thinning hair, dry skin, brittle nails, sensitivity to cold, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or missed menstrual periods.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms may include intense fear of eating certain foods, excessive exercise, avoiding meals, or withdrawal from friends and family.

Not everyone with anorexia looks underweight, which is why appearance alone isn’t a reliable indicator.

Anorexia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, although it often begins in adolescence.

It’s common for anorexia to overlap with conditions such as anxiety or depression, which can make it harder to diagnose and treat — but reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery.

Don’t equate anorexia with being “too thin” — it’s about mental health, not just appearance.

Avoid providing detailed descriptions of restrictive eating behaviors or extreme calorie counts, because they can be emulated.

Avoid sharing specific ways you or someone else hid harmful behaviors, because that information could unintentionally give ideas to others who are struggling.

Don’t speculate about whether someone has anorexia or another eating disorder based on their appearance. It’s not always visible, and assumptions can be harmful.

Refrain from diagnosing others or discussing someone else’s eating disorder unless they’ve shared it publicly — it’s their story to tell.

Discourage sharing “before and after” photos related to eating disorder recovery, because they can be triggering for others.