Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where a person restricts food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight. Despite being underweight, they often see themselves as overweight and engage in extreme measures to stay thin. This condition is medically coded as F50.0 in the ICD-10 system.
Early on, anorexia may be hard to spot, but look for these warning signs:
Several factors can contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, mental-health counselors, and nutrition experts work together to create a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan for anorexia. We focus on restoring your physical health, supporting your emotional well-being, and involving your family every step of the way. With easy appointment scheduling and compassionate care, we're here to help you begin your recovery journey-book your appointment today.
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.
Anorexia involves restricting food intake and severe weight loss, while bulimia is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise).
Yes. Anorexia can affect all genders, including boys and men.
Lanugo is a fine, soft body hair that can develop when the body loses too much weight as a way to conserve heat.
Recovery time varies. Some people see improvements in a few months, while others may need a year or more of treatment and support.
Yes. Many individuals with anorexia also experience anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders.
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to address the emotional and psychological aspects of anorexia.
Untreated anorexia can lead to serious complications, including heart problems, bone loss, organ damage, and even life-threatening conditions.
Yes. A gastroenterologist can manage digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, and other medical concerns linked to anorexia.
If someone is avoiding food, losing weight rapidly, or showing signs of anxiety around eating, seek professional help as soon as possible.
