Anorexia: What It Means, Types, Symptoms and Treatment

Did you know that around 90% of people with eating disorders are women? Anorexia may affect approximately 6% of the population, and among female students the prevalence rises even more sharply – to between 19 and 30%. Statistics show that 4 in 5 women are dissatisfied with their appearance and 75% believe they are too heavy, even when there is no medical basis for this.

In the UK, around 1.25 million people are estimated to have aneating disorder (Beat), and anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. It is a complex condition with serious consequences that can profoundly affect your physical and emotional health. Find out how to recognise the signs and which steps can support recovery.

What is anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder defined in the specialist literature as a restriction of nutrient intake relative to daily requirements, resulting in very low body weight.

Anorexia is characterised at the same time by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of one's own body. Those affected do not see themselves objectively and may perceive their body weight as considerably higher than it actually is – even when markedly underweight.

At first glance, these behaviours may appear to be simply choices around diet or weight control. In reality, however, this is a serious psychological condition affecting both body and mind, which over time can lead to severe nutritional deficienciesand which has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder (Beat).

How anorexia nervosa manifests

Voluntary food restriction is one of the main signs of anorexia nervosa. Those affected tend to reduce their food intake drastically or cut out certain food groups entirely.

Alongside this, anorexia is characterised by a range of persistent behaviours and thoughts surrounding food, weight and body image:

• Intense fear of weight gain
• Distorted body perception (when the reflection in the mirror does not match reality)
• Obsession with weight, calories and controlling food (rigidly planned meals, associating particular foods with anxiety or guilt)

By nature, your body sends hunger signals. Their purpose is to help maintain a balanced diet.

With eating disorders such as anorexic behaviour, however, these signals are deliberately ignored out of fear of gaining weight. This is precisely one of the symptoms of anorexia: ignoring hunger for fear of putting on extra pounds.

In the long term, such behaviours affect not only physical health but also social and emotional life. People with anorexia often experience anxiety and difficulties in their relationships, which is why they frequently withdraw.

The difference between anorexia and temporary loss of appetite

Anorexia and a temporary loss of appetite are not the same thing.

There are situations in which you may lose your appetite without this indicating an eating disorder. For emotional reasons, through stress, or due to various medical causes such as infections, digestive problems or hormonal changes, it can be perfectly normal not to feel hungry for a period of time. This change is usually temporary and resolves once the underlying cause has been addressed.

With anorexia, by contrast, we are not talking about a naturally occurring loss of appetite but about a persistent condition with long-term effects, expressed through voluntary food restriction – even when hunger is present. This restriction is not maintained by a lack of appetite but by fear of weight gain and a need for control.

People with anorexia make weight control the central element of their daily lives and base most of their decisions around it.

Forms of anorexia nervosa

Depending on eating behaviour and the way restriction or weight control manifests, there are several forms of anorexia nervosa, which we explain below.

Restrictive anorexia

Restrictive anorexia is the most common form of the disorder and involves a drastic limitation of food intake. Those affected avoid certain food categories entirely, massively reduce portion sizes and develop an obsession with diets and calories.

In many cases, restrictive anorexia is also accompanied by excessive exercise as a way of compensating for food intake.

Binge-purge type anorexia

Binge-purge type anorexia is characterised by an alternation between binge eating episodes and compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting (purging) or the use of laxatives or diuretics.

It can resemble bulimia, another eating disorder in which binge eating alternates with extreme measures to eliminate calories. By comparison, however, anorexia still involves severe food restriction and low body weight, whereas with bulimia the weight may be normal.

Atypical anorexia

Patients with atypical anorexia display the psychological and behavioural symptoms typical of anorexia but are not extremely underweight. For this reason, this form is also harder to diagnose, as outward appearance gives no indication of a disorder.

The medical and psychological risks, however, can be just as serious as with the other forms of anorexia.

Causes of anorexia

Anorexia nervosa does not have a single cause. As a rule, it develops gradually as the result of an interplay of psychological, biological and social factors, against a backdrop of emotional vulnerability and external pressure.

Psychological factors that contribute to anorexia

Particularly during life stages involving major change and considerable emotional strain, certain psychological factors can increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa:

• Perfectionism, that is, the tendency to set yourself very high and hard-to-achieve standards regarding your body and diet
• Anxiety and depression, as these can influence how you perceive your body and manage your emotions. What is more, anorexia and depression can reinforce one another. Depression can be a trigger for starvation behaviour, but it can also arise as a direct consequence of malnutrition and the social isolation that follows from anorexia.
• An excessive need for control, through which you feel able to manage at least one area of your life.
• Low self-esteem, which in turn continually feeds dissatisfaction with your own body.

Anorexia can also occur alongside obsessive-compulsive disorders, as recurring thoughts about food, weight or dietary rules become difficult to control.

Genetic and biological causes of anorexia

A biological component also plays a part in the development of anorexia. Studies show that a genetic predisposition may exist. This means the risk is higher in families where eating disorders or other mental health conditions have already occurred. Beyond genetic factors, such a family history may also reflect learned behavioural patterns.

Imbalances in neurotransmitters may also be involved – those chemical messengers in the brain that influence mood, hunger and impulse control.

Other biological causes of anorexia may include hormonal disorders that affect appetite and metabolism and thereby encourage restrictive eating behaviour.

The influence of social media and beauty ideals

Content on social networks and often unrealistic beauty ideals can strongly influence how people – particularly young women – perceive their own bodies. Social media can therefore intensify dissatisfaction with body image, through:

• Social pressure regarding outward appearance
• Toxic content linking very slim figures with discipline or personal worth
• The idealisation of a particular weight or body shape that is not always healthy or realistic for everyone
• Constant comparison with other people online

Emotional trauma and the family environment

Emotional trauma in childhood or adolescence can profoundly influence eating behaviour and self-image – with effects that persist into adulthood.

Situations such as emotional abuse or bullying, including within the family, can lead to diminished self-esteem and the development of mechanisms for controlling food intake. Conflict or a tense environment can contribute to emotional instability and to the need to find an area in which the person feels in control – even if that area is food.

In some cases, pressure to perform, whether academic or social, can heighten perfectionism and anxiety. And where stable emotional support is lacking, food and weight control can become a way of coping with difficult feelings.

Symptoms of anorexia

Anorexia nervosa reflects a complex imbalance affecting the whole organism – it is therefore not simply about symptoms relating to weight and diet. The disorder manifests physically, psychologically and behaviourally. The signs often appear gradually and can be easy to overlook at first.

Physical symptoms of anorexia

The most obvious symptom of anorexia is, of course, sudden and drastic weight loss. This is a rapid change with no medical necessity or cause, driven by the person's own behaviour.

As time goes on, other physical symptoms become increasingly apparent the longer the food restriction continues. The consequences of anorexia that develop gradually include:

• Dizziness and episodes of weakness
• Intolerance of cold
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Persistent fatigue.

Psychological symptoms of anorexia

Alongside the physical manifestations there is a range of psychological symptoms of anorexia that appear once the condition begins to affect thinking and emotions.

The intense fear of weight gain is a central symptom that persists even when the person is already underweight. This fear is frequently accompanied by:

• A distorted body image
• Anxiety around food, leading to rigid self-imposed rules and feelings of guilt after meals
• Depression and irritability, which put a strain on everyday relationships
• Social isolation, in order to avoid situations involving eating in the company of others.

Behavioural symptoms of anorexia

The behaviour of a person with anorexia changes visibly in relation to food and daily routine. Those affected begin to avoid meals, constantly putting them off or refusing them outright, and develop strict eating rituals such as cutting food into very small pieces. They start to weigh themselves compulsively, sometimes several times a day, driven by the desire to control their weight.

Hiding food, eating in secret and compulsive physical exercise undertaken not for enjoyment or the pleasure of moving but as a way of compensating for food consumed are likewise signs of anorexic behaviour.

Warning signs that indicate severe anorexia

In advanced forms, anorexia can carry considerable medical risks. Specialist intervention is necessary as soon as symptoms of severe anorexia appear, such as:

• Severe dehydration as a result of energy and electrolyte disturbances
• Fainting episodes
• A slow pulse, indicating a slowing of vital functions
• Cardiac damage, a dangerous complication of anorexia
• Increased suicide risk, which accompanies severe eating disorders
• Severe malnutrition, which affects all organs and can be life-threatening

How anorexia manifests in adolescents and adults

Anorexia does not manifest in the same way in everyone. Depending on age, sex and social context, the signs may be more or less visible, even though the underlying mechanisms remain the same. In adolescents in particular, the symptoms can be mistaken for normal age-related changes, which sometimes contributes to a delayed diagnosis.

Signs of anorexia in adolescents

Anorexia can begin subtly in adolescents. At first there are small changes in behaviour relating to food and body image. The young person starts to refuse family meals, explaining this behaviour by a lack of hunger or new food preferences. In reality, food restriction lies behind it. At the same time, an obsession with appearance develops, along with a heightened interest in diets and an excessive preoccupation with weight and with comparisons to others.

Over time, these new behaviours can lead to a decline in academic performance, caused by a lack of energy and difficulty concentrating. Social withdrawal may also follow, because the young person avoids meeting friends or taking part in activities involving food.

These changes are often accompanied by sudden emotional swings, typically irritability, anxiety or sadness.

How anorexia manifests in women

In women, anorexia arises from a combination of biological, hormonal and social factors. Social pressure regarding body shape contributes to the development of insecurities and restrictive eating behaviour – one of the reasons why 4 in 5 women are dissatisfied with their own reflection.

From a medical point of view, starvation, severe food restriction and inadequate body weight can have serious hormonal consequences. They can cause disturbances that impair the body's normal functioning and, in more advanced cases, even lead to complications such as infertility or other gynaecological problems, including menstrual irregularities and persistent hormonal dysregulation.

Menstruation and anorexia nervosa

Amenorrhoea in anorexia is one of the most common consequences of this disorder. In the absence of a normal body fat percentage, the organism switches into energy-saving mode and shuts down functions regarded as non-essential – reproduction among them.

Malnutrition can therefore lead to cycle disturbances ranging from irregular periods to bleeding too light to fill a period product, or even the complete absence of bleeding.

In the long term, the absence of menstruation in anorexia can also directly impair fertility and drastically reduce the chances of conceiving.

It is therefore important to have any menstrual irregularity, as well as a prolonged absence of periods, assessed by a gynaecologist. This makes it possible to identify the exact cause and provide the necessary advice to prevent complications.

How anorexia manifests in men

Although it is talked about less, anorexia also occurs in men. Because it sometimes manifests differently, because eating disorders are still predominantly associated with women, and because eating disorders in men remain stigmatised, the signs of anorexia in men can be harder to recognise. This delays help-seeking and can worsen the course of the illness. 

Men frequently focus on muscle definition and controlling body composition rather than on weight loss alone. This can mask the symptoms, as weight loss is sometimes mistakenly interpreted as athletic discipline.

Complications of anorexia

Anorexia affects not only body weight but the entire organism. Without treatment, severe and sometimes life-threatening complications can arise. The consequences develop gradually as the body is deprived of essential nutrients and falls into profound imbalance.

Cardiovascular problems resulting from anorexia

Among the most serious complications of anorexia are cardiac conditions, that is, those affecting the heart and circulatory system in response to the energy deficit. These include:

• Bradycardia, a slowing of the heart rate
• Low blood pressure, manifesting as dizziness, weakness and fainting
• An increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias in more advanced stages
• Heart failure, one of the main causes of mortality associated with anorexia

Hormonal disorders and infertility

Severe food restriction impairs hormonal function and leads to the dysregulation of several processes within the body – which is why anorexia has such a profound effect on the endocrine system. Infertility in anorexia is one of the most significant consequences and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity and duration of the condition.

Fertility problems caused by hormonal disorders and malnutrition can occur in women and men alike.

Osteoporosis and loss of muscle mass

A long-term lack of essential nutrients impairs bone and muscle structure and increases the risk of premature osteoporosis. Recent studies link anorexia with reduced bone mineral density, which in adolescents in particular can hinder the normal development of bone mass.

A deficiency of calcium and vitamin D in particular – nutrients essential for the health of the bones and musculoskeletal system – can lead to bone fragility and increase the risk of fractures even from minor injuries. Muscle strength also declines, resulting in reduced mobility and physical resilience.

Digestive and metabolic problems

The direct effects of anorexia on the digestive system and metabolism are marked. The most common digestive problems in anorexia include constipation, slowed digestion and, in the long term, a reduction in metabolic rate.

All of this arises as a consequence of reduced, irregular food intake, which slows intestinal transit and makes energy regulation more difficult. Against this backdrop, abdominal discomfort, bloating and even abdominal pain can occur.

The effects of anorexia on mental health

Depression and anxiety frequently accompany anorexia – both as contributing factors and as consequences of the disorder. The effects of anorexia on mental health can also include panic attacks, particularly in situations connected with food or body image. In severe forms, the risk of self-harming behaviour can increase, further heightening the need for specialist intervention.

Mortality risk in anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is considered one of the most dangerous eating disorders.

Approximately 5–10% of patients with anorexia die within 10 years of the onset of the illness, and 18–20% within 20 years, as some statistics show. This is a high mortality rate compared with other mental health conditions, and death can occur in particular through severe cardiac complications, metabolic disturbances or extreme malnutrition.

This is precisely why early diagnosis and early treatment are so important – they can significantly improve the chances of recovery.

How anorexia is diagnosed

Recognising a single sign is not enough for a diagnosis. Diagnosing anorexia rests on a comprehensive assessment – of behaviour and medical condition as well as psychological aspects.

Psychological and psychiatric assessment

The first step in diagnosing anorexia is usually the psychological or psychiatric assessment. This is carried out by a specialist and includes analysing dietary history, changes in eating behaviour, self-imposed restrictions and general attitudes towards food.

At the same time, the doctor analyses the patient's view of her own body, weight, body shape and appearance. Possible compulsive behaviours are also assessed, such as eating rituals, excessive calorie monitoring or compulsive physical exercise. Accompanying disorders such as anxiety or depression are likewise recorded.

Recommended medical examinations and tests

Alongside the psychological assessment, diagnosis involves a number of specific tests that make it possible to gauge the physical effects of the disorder. The tests recommended in anorexia include:

• Blood tests, which allow anaemia, electrolyte disturbances or other nutritional deficiencies to be identified.
• An electrocardiogram, to check cardiac function and possible arrhythmias.
• Assessment of hormonal function, particularly where menstrual irregularities or other endocrine symptoms are present.
• More detailed testing for nutritional deficiencies, if a lack of essential vitamins and minerals is suspected.

DSM-5 criteria for anorexia nervosa

Diagnosis can also be made using standardised clinical criteria defined as the DSM-5 criteria for anorexia.

Restriction of food intake is a principal criterion, as are the persistent fear of gaining weight and distorted body perception. Together with other current clinical criteria, these are used by professionals to confirm the diagnosis and to distinguish anorexia from other eating disorders.

Treatment of anorexia

Anorexia is treated with a multidisciplinary approach. This includes nutritional rehabilitation and medical monitoring to address the physical symptoms, as well as psychological support. The aim of treatment is not merely to restore weight but to build a healthy, lasting relationship with food and with one's own body.

Psychotherapy in the treatment of anorexia

Psychotherapy is one of the first and most important steps in treating anorexia, as it addresses the emotional and behavioural roots of the disorder.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy for anorexia is a psychological intervention in which the therapist works with the patient to change the dysfunctional thoughts about food, weight and body image that sustain restrictive behaviour. It also helps to restructure body image, with the aim of achieving a more realistic and balanced perception of the body.

Another important goal of therapy is reducing food-related anxiety through gradual exposure and a reshaping of the relationship with food.

Family therapy

Particularly with adolescents, though not exclusively, family therapy can have a positive effect in anorexia. It involves including the family in the recovery process, with the aim of creating a stable framework in which the patient feels consistently supported and can more easily cope with the difficulties of treatment.

Naturally, this form of therapy can also help to reduce family conflict and thereby improve communication and relationship dynamics.

Nutritional rehabilitation in anorexia

As part of nutritional rehabilitation in anorexia, calorie intake is increased gradually and in a controlled manner in collaboration with a dietitian, tailored individually to each patient. The aim is to balance nutrients in order to correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Weight is monitored regularly to track progress and the body's response to treatment.

Medical monitoring of the patient

Medical monitoring in anorexia takes place throughout the entire course of treatment in order to prevent and manage complications. This monitoring essentially comprises:

• Observing medical complications that may arise in the cardiovascular, hormonal or metabolic systems
• Monitoring cardiac function in view of the risks associated with severe anorexia
• Continuous assessment of nutritional progress and adjustment of measures as the situation develops

Medication in the treatment of anorexia

Unlike with other conditions, medication is not a primary treatment for curing anorexia. There are, however, situations in which it can be helpful, for example where anxiety or depression are also present and suitable medication can support emotional stabilisation.

Drug treatment is nonetheless limited, as it does not address the underlying cause of anorexia but only the accompanying symptoms. The foundational approach therefore remains psychotherapy combined with nutritional intervention.

Recovery from anorexia

Recovery from anorexia is a complex, time-consuming process involving both physical recuperation and the rebuilding of one's relationship with food and self-image. It is not a linear path – progress looks different from person to person, and the pace depends on the severity of the disorder and the support received.

Stages of recovery from anorexia

The first stage on the road to recovery from anorexia following diagnosis is medical stabilisation. Priority is given to correcting physical imbalances and preventing severe complications.

Next comes the normalisation of eating, through a gradual increase in nutrient intake in line with the needs of the individual's body.

As the body recovers, emotional recovery also begins through therapy – by working on the thoughts and feelings associated with food and body image.

The final stage consists of returning to daily activities, including social life, school or work, in a balanced and stable way.

How relapse can be avoided

Relapse prevention is also part of the recovery process in anorexia, as the risk of relapse is heightened during periods of intense emotional strain or major life changes.

It is therefore recommended to continue therapy and to maintain healthy habits around food, emotional regulation and daily structure – even after symptoms have subsided – in order to preserve psychological balance.

The role of family and emotional support

Family can play an important role in the recovery process and in maintaining progress.

On the one hand, family members can provide emotional support in anorexia by avoiding pressure and criticism. They can communicate gently in order to maintain a safe and stable environment for the person affected.

On the other hand, the family can spot signs of relapse early and keep an eye on changes in behaviour, encouraging timely intervention.

How long recovery from anorexia takes

The time from diagnosis to full recovery from anorexia varies considerably from person to person. Several factors play a part – from the severity of the illness and when treatment began, to the support each patient receives.

In practice, recovery from anorexia proceeds considerably more quickly on a physical level than on a psychological one, because restoring emotional balance takes longer.

It is important to understand that the healing process is not linear and can involve both periods of progress and periods of stagnation. This is precisely why treatment is designed for the long term, with ongoing support from the therapist and the family.

How you can help someone with anorexia

Supporting someone with an eating disorder is not easy. How do you help a person with anorexia? What do you say to them? How do you avoid ill-chosen words that do more harm than good?

Above all it takes patience, empathy and gentleness and – most importantly – the support you offer must be consistent and free of judgement. The person affected is already coping with a range of physical and psychological difficulties, and the support they receive can make the difference between feeling alone and feeling understood and safe. 

An appropriate approach begins without the pressure of unrealistic expectations and without criticism of appearance or eating habits, but rather with gentle encouragement to seek medical or psychological help. This can be the first important step towards recovery – particularly when the person is not yet aware that they have a problem.

Mistakes to avoid

When trying to help, certain reactions can achieve precisely the opposite. Some remarks or persistent encouragement – even when well meant – can increase stress and encourage the person to withdraw.

One of the most common mistakes when supporting someone with anorexia is commenting on their weight. Even when the intention behind it is good, such a remark can reinforce the obsessive preoccupation with the body.

It is likewise advisable to avoid excessive pressure around food, such as forcing meals or imposing strict rules. Beneficial though regular, balanced eating is, rigid changes and high expectations can raise anxiety levels and slow psychological progress.

Another significant mistake is to trivialise the problem and dismiss it as merely a phase or a personal choice, as this delays access to professional help. Anorexia is a genuine eating disorder with serious long-term consequences and should not be viewed superficially.

When professional help is needed in anorexia

Support from those close to you can benefit people experiencing a temporary loss of appetite or certain insecurities about their appearance. However, as soon as obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours, severe food restriction with rapid weight loss, serious medical symptoms such as fainting, dizziness or cardiac problems, extreme isolation and other dangerous behaviours appear, the need for professional help in anorexia becomes immediately urgent.

Preventing anorexia

Anorexia is prevented first and foremost by building a healthy view of one's own body and of food as early as childhood and adolescence. Emotional education, nutritional education and support from family, school and society are all equally significant in reducing the risk factors for developing eating disorders.

Education about a healthy body image

A first preventive measure against anorexia is developing a healthy body image. This should be based on acceptance and realistic thinking, not on externally imposed standards.

It is important that each of us understands that our bodies look different, that health and beauty have no universal form or "correct" size, and that the standards promoted on social media are often unrealistic.

Developing self-confidence also helps to prevent anorexia – if only because self-worth should not depend on appearance or weight.

A balanced relationship with food

A healthy relationship with food is a key factor in preventing eating disorders, including anorexia. Nutritional education plays a central role here, because it enables you to understand what a balanced nutrient intake looks like and how to maintain it, what a varied diet means and how it can support your physical and mental health.

Nutritional education also helps you understand why you should avoid extreme diets and how these can create an unhealthy cycle of restriction and excessive control over food.

Once you understand the basics and the needs of your own body, you can develop an intuitive approach to eating based on your body's natural hunger and fullness signals.

The role of parents and schools in prevention

Parents and teachers can spot early signs such as sudden changes in eating behaviour or an excessive preoccupation with weight, raise the alarm and refer children and young people to professional help at the earliest stages, thereby avoiding long-term complications.

Emotional support is also important, particularly in preventing eating disorders in adolescents, with the family – or teachers – conveying security and openness in communication. Education about mental health falls into the same category, through which conversations about emotions, anxiety and one's relationship with one's body can be normalised.

Frequently asked questions about anorexia

Do you have further questions about anorexia? Would you like to know how to spot the first signs, how to support someone affected, or whether full recovery is possible? Below we have gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions about this eating disorder.

Can anorexia be cured completely?

Yes, anorexia is treatable, and many people recover without relapse – particularly with early intervention. The process can, however, take a long time and involves both physical recovery and long-term psychological support.

What are the first symptoms of anorexia?

The earliest signs include food restriction, an excessive preoccupation with weight, avoiding meals and gradual weight loss. Changes in behaviour and social withdrawal can also be early symptoms of an eating disorder.

How dangerous is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia is one of the most dangerous eating disorders, with a considerable mortality rate, because it affects the entire organism. In severe cases it can lead to cardiac complications, metabolic disturbances and death.

Which professionals treat anorexia?

Treatment of anorexia takes place in collaboration with a psychologist or psychiatrist, a dietitian and the GP. In some cases, depending on the course of the illness and accompanying symptoms, it is also necessary to involve an endocrinologist or a gynaecologist.

Can anorexia return after treatment?

Yes, relapse is possible, particularly during periods of stress or major life changes. This is precisely why it is important for patients to continue with therapy and follow-up appointments over the long term.

Which tests are carried out in anorexia?

To establish a diagnosis, blood tests, an electrocardiogram and tests of hormonal function and nutritional deficiencies are usually recommended, allowing the effects of anorexia on the body to be assessed.

What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia?

Anorexia is characterised by severe food restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia involves binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting or the use of laxatives.

Does anorexia affect fertility?

Yes. Because food restriction and long-term malnutrition can disrupt hormonal balance and cause amenorrhoea, anorexia can lead to temporary or – in very severe cases – permanent infertility.

How quickly can anorexia become dangerous?

Anorexia can become dangerous in a relatively short space of time, particularly where food restriction is severe. Cardiac and metabolic disturbances can occur even in the early stages.

How do you recognise anorexia in adolescents?

The clearest signs of anorexia in adolescents include avoiding meals, obsession with body weight and losing it, withdrawal from friendship groups, declining academic performance and sudden emotional changes.

Is anorexia purely a psychological problem?

No. Anorexia is a complex disorder involving psychological but also biological and social factors. The consequences of anorexia likewise affect the entire organism, not just the mind.

Can anorexia also occur in men?

Yes. Although it is considerably more common in women, anorexia can also affect men. In men the signs are harder to spot, as they tend to focus on muscle definition rather than solely on weight loss.

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