Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by a desire to lose weight by eating less food. You may experience lack or loss of appetite in anorexia resulting in very low food intake. In anorexia it is common to take every effort to lose weight and you may always have a fear of gaining weight.

The common emotional and physical symptoms of anorexia are: Emotional - deny the feeling of hunger; lose weight drastically; intense fear of gaining weight; and takes every effort to lose weight. Physical - stomach cramps; dizziness; sleep problems; brittle nails; thinning of hair; less immunity; dry skin; fatigue; laziness; and constipation.

If you have anorexia, you may experience many emotional and behavioural changes as discussed below: lack of appetite or denial of feeling hungry; continuously think only about weight and calorie burning; have a dramatic weight loss and take efforts to hide it; have a fear of gaining weight; make excuses to avoid eating meals; cook for others but do not eat yourself; and staying away from friends.

The causes of anorexia are not known; however, the following factors may contribute: psychological - an obsessive feeling for weight loss or a low self-confidence, depression and anxiety; environmental - onset of puberty or relationship problems; social - pressure from the society, friends or workplace to remain slim; and hereditary - may be passed on from family members.

Yes, there may be complications in anorexia if not treated in time. They are as follows: anaemia; low blood pressure; lack of menstruation in women; electrolyte imbalance;·hormonal imbalance;·heart problems;·kidney problems; and ·death.