Similarities and Differences Between Anorexia and Orthorexia Nervosa
It is not uncommon for people to have self-doubts about their body image or diet from time to time, but when these insecurities interfere with someone’s health and life, eating disorder behaviors may develop. Eating disorders have serious risk factors and different characteristics. For example, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder driven by weight loss, whereas orthorexia nervosa involves wanting to be healthy. All eating disorders deserve recognition and proper treatment.
Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder in which individuals significantly restrict food intake, resulting in chronic undernutrition. All systems of the body are affected by long term inadequate energy intake, and, thus, cardiovascular, endocrine, skeletal, gastrointestinal, neurological, and metabolic alterations take place in the setting of AN.