Introduction
Yes, Anorexia nervosa is an (mental illness) eating disorder in which people think they are overweight, but actually, they are not.
Some may be extremely thin, while others may appear slightly heavier. based on their appearance, they experience feel weight loss (1). but in real life they are not.
If you have anorexia nervosa, you may feel a strong fear of gaining weight and may think you are overweight, even if you are very thin.
Anorexia can cause changes in the brain due to very poor nutrition, also known as malnutrition. This is when people don’t get the proper nutrients that their bodies need to stay healthy. So it’s not a choice to continue the risky and damaging behavior.
So in this blog we will discuss the anorexia nervosa eating disorder. This disorder is slightly different from other diseases.
Anorexia nervosa symptoms
If you have anorexia nervosa, you may observe the following anorexia nervosa sign and symptoms.
Skipping Meals: You may miss meals, eat very little, or avoid foods you believe can cause weight gain.
Hiding Eating Habits: Individuals may lie about what or when they have eaten and avoid eating with others.
Wearing Loose Clothing: People often wear loose clothes to cover their body shape, and they might not tell the truth about their real weight.
Taking specific medications: Some people take pills to feel less hungry, help them go to the bathroom, or make them pee more, all to try to control their weight.
Too much exercising or Inducing Vomiting: Some may exercise excessively or make themselves vomit to prevent weight gain. This is again a dangerous thing they will do.
High level of fear of weight gain: such persons may constantly worry about putting on weight, even when they are very thin.
Strict Eating Routines: They might follow strict food rules, constantly thinking about what they can and cannot eat. The whole day they only think about how to eat less.
Frequent Weigh checking: frequently they are checking their weight and feeling happy only when they lose a lot of it.
Serious about weigh gaining: They may refuse to admit that their extreme weight loss is a serious concern (2).
they will not admire and they think they are perfect in shape.
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that requires a combination of medical, psychological, and nutritional treatment. The goal is to restore healthy eating habits, addressing emotional issues, and prevent health problems. Here are some treatments for Anorexia Nervosa.
Medical Support
People with severe anorexia may need medical care, specially if their weight is drastically decreasing. In patient or day treatment programs are sometimes required to stabilize their condition. Doctors monitor vital signs, nutrition levels, and any complications related to malnutrition.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a crucial part of treatment. Several types of therapy help individuals recover:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy : this therapy also known as (CBT-E), Which helps individuals recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Often used for younger patients, this approach involves family members in helping their loved one eat and recover.
Focal Psychodynamic Therapy (FPT) & MANTRA: These practices focus on understanding emotional triggers behind anorexia.
Nutritional Therapy
A proper balanced diet is key to recovery. Nutritionists help create meal plans to restore weight in a healthy way. Small, when they are planning their diet, frequent meals are often recommended, starting with around 30–40 kcal/kg for severely underweight patients, and then gradually increasing intake while monitoring for refeeding syndrome.
Medication
There is no specific medication to cure anorexia nervosa, but sometimes doctors prescribe antidepressants or low-dose antipsychotics like olanzapine if extreme fear of weight gain or hyperactivity is uncontrollable, then only the doctor prescribed such types of medications, otherwise medicine is not recommended. However, medication is only used as part of a larger treatment plan.
Support and Relapse Prevention
Recovery takes time, and ongoing support from doctors, therapists, and family is essential. Prevention strategies include therapy, support from family groups, and self-care routines to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
By combining medical care, therapy, nutrition, and emotional support, individuals with anorexia nervosa can work toward recovery and regain their health (3).
Balanced diet plan for Anorexia nervosa
This is a proper balanced diet for an anorexia nervosa patient. It is a 2000 Kcal balanced diet in which all the nutrients are balanced with different food groups.
| Day | Breakfast | Snack | Lunch | Snack | Dinner | Evening Snack |
| Monday | Poha with peanuts and vegetables + buttermilk | Greek yogurt with nuts & jaggery | Grilled chicken with brown rice & dal tadka | Whole wheat roti with peanut butter | Grilled fish with mashed sweet potatoes & sautéed greens | Paneer cubes with whole grain crackers |
| Tuesday | Moong dal chilla with mint chutney | Handful of almonds & banana | Lentil (dal) soup with jeera rice & sautéed veggies | Sprouts chaat with lemon | Vegetable pulao with curd and mixed salad | Warm milk with honey |
| Wednesday | Whole wheat dosa with coconut chutney | Roasted makhana & dates | Baked fish with quinoa & vegetable stir-fry | Masala buttermilk | Chicken curry with multigrain roti & sautéed greens | Homemade besan laddoo |
| Thursday | Curd rice with pomegranate | Banana smoothie with flaxseeds | Rajma with brown rice & salad | Handful of mixed nuts | Bhindi (okra) sabzi with dal & whole wheat roti | Roasted chana with jaggery |
| Friday | Vegetable upma with coconut chutney | Handful of walnuts and raisins | Grilled paneer tikka with dal and multigrain roti | Yogurt with honey and nuts | Chicken biryani with cucumber raita | Dark chocolate with almonds |
| Saturday | Overnight soaked oats with dates & seeds | Whole grain crackers with hung curd dip | Masoor dal with jeera rice & sautéed vegetables | Fruit salad with flaxseeds | Baingan bharta with roti & dal makhani | Mango lassi |
| Sunday | Stuffed paneer paratha with curd | Whole wheat banana muffin with milk | Grilled chicken with methi roti & salad | Greek yogurt with granola | Fish curry with red rice & sautéed spinach | Peanut butter on multigrain toast |
Conclusion
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that causes people to fear weight gain and have an unhealthy relationship with food. It can lead to severe weight loss, malnutrition, and even changes in the brain.
A balanced diet is essential for recovery, providing the body with the necessary nutrients to regain strength and improve overall health. The 2000 Kcal meal plan includes a variety of healthy foods from different groups, ensuring proper nourishment.
Eating regular, nutrient-rich meals and snacks can help restore energy levels and support recovery. With the right care and nutrition, individuals with anorexia nervosa can work towards a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
