Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, is a serious eating disorder in which a person restricts food intake, fears gaining weight, and often has a distorted body image. This behavior leads to significant weight loss and can affect many body systems if left untreated.
Early recognition of these signs can prompt timely help. Look for:
There is no single cause of anorexia. Risk factors include a mix of biological, psychological, and social influences, such as:
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our multidisciplinary team understands the challenges of anorexia and delivers patient-centered care tailored to your needs. We combine expert gastroenterology, registered dietitians, and experienced therapists to create a holistic treatment plan focused on both physical and emotional recovery. With fast appointment availability, ongoing follow-up, and compassionate support every step of the way, we're committed to helping you regain health and confidence. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The ICD-10 code for anorexia nervosa is F50.0, which healthcare providers use to classify and document the disorder.
Yes. Although often underrecognized, about one in four people with anorexia are male, so it's important to watch for signs in all genders.
Lanugo is a fine, soft body hair that may grow on the arms, back, or other areas to help conserve body heat when fat stores are severely depleted.
Anorexia involves strict food restriction and significant weight loss, while bulimia is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or laxative use.
Offer support by listening without judgment, expressing concern for their health, encouraging professional evaluation, and helping them find medical and mental health resources.
No. While nutritional rehabilitation is essential, effective recovery also requires medical monitoring and mental health therapy to address underlying emotional and behavioral issues.
Genetic factors can increase vulnerability, but environmental influences-such as societal pressure, stress, and family dynamics-also play key roles in developing the disorder.
Treatment duration varies by individual and severity. Some people may need several months of intensive care, while others may continue outpatient support for a year or longer.
Yes. At GastroDoxs, we partner with experienced local eating-disorder therapists in Houston to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated care.
Watch for sudden meal skipping, intense fear of weight gain, preoccupation with calories or diet, rapid weight loss, and physical signs like feeling cold or excessive fatigue.
