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Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers comprehensive, personalized care—including medical evaluation, nutrition planning, and therapy—to guide you toward lasting recovery.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. People with anorexia severely restrict their food intake, may overexercise, or purge. Left untreated, it can lead to damage to the heart, bones, and mental health.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Family history or genetic predisposition
Perfectionism and high self-imposed standards
Social or cultural pressure to be thin
Anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders
Adolescents and young adults are at highest risk
Both females and males can develop anorexia
Signs and Symptoms
Rapid weight loss or failure to gain expected weight
Persistent preoccupation with food, calories, or dieting
Skipping meals or making excuses to avoid eating
Intense fear of weight gain even when underweight
Physical changes such as thinning hair, brittle nails, low blood pressure
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Anorexia?
Dr. Nguyen uses a comprehensive, step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your weight trends, vital signs, dietary habits, and details of any upper-abdominal discomfort.
Blood Tests
We screen for electrolyte imbalances, complete blood count, vitamin and mineral levels, and liver function to detect nutritional deficiencies or organ stress.
Psychological Assessment
We evaluate mood disorders, anxiety, body-image issues, and behaviors like restrictive eating or purging that may underlie anorexia.
Imaging and GI Studies
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—ruling out gastritis, ulcers, or other lesions causing epigastric pain.
Abdominal ultrasound to exclude gallbladder disease, liver pathology, or pancreatic abnormalities.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Gastric emptying studies or motility testing when functional issues like gastroparesis are suspected. Rarely, tissue biopsies confirm microscopic diagnoses.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for anorexia nervosa.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Custom meal plans with balanced, small meals
Mindful eating strategies and body-awareness coaching
Access to specialized anorexia therapists for ongoing support
2. Medications
Low-dose antidepressants to address anxiety or depression
Vitamin and mineral supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies
Regular check-ins to monitor effectiveness and side effects
3. Diagnostic and Advanced Testing
Comprehensive blood panels for vitamin, mineral, and liver health
GI evaluations (e.g., endoscopy) to identify other causes of appetite loss
Ongoing health assessments to track physical and mental recovery
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is anorexia different from bulimia?
Anorexia is about strict food limits and fear of gaining weight, while bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors.
Can men get anorexia?
Yes. About 1 in 4 people with anorexia are men. They experience the same health risks and need specialized care and support.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery means gaining a healthy weight, seeing improved lab results, and feeling less fear around food. You may also notice visible changes in “before and after” progress photos.
Do I need therapy?
Yes. Therapy is a key component of treatment. You can search for an “anorexia therapist near me” or work directly with Dr. Nguyen's multidisciplinary team.
How long does treatment take?
Most people see significant progress within 3 to 6 months, though each individual's healing journey is unique.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover eating disorder treatment. Our staff can help verify your benefits and maximize your coverage.
What if I relapse?
Relapse can occur, but Dr. Nguyen's team continues to support you by adjusting your treatment plan and offering ongoing care.
