Anorexia Nervosa in Teens: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatment
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Teen eating disorders are serious but treatable mental health conditions. Eating disorders like teen anorexia nervosa can not only be dangerous but also fatal in some scenarios. Anorexia is a common eating disorder in teen girls characterized by fear of gaining weight. As a parent or guardian, you should seek immediate professional help if you suspect that your teen might have anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder.
This article will explore anorexia nervosa in teens. It will highlight its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. It will also examine the long-term effects of untreated anorexia. At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the importance of early anorexia treatment. Contact us today to get compassionate and effective care for your teen.
What Is Teen Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa, simply known as anorexia, is a serious mental health condition that causes teenagers to become obsessed with their weight. Anorexia causes teenagers to restrict their food intake because they have an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. Such teenagers tend to have very low body weight since they limit their dietary needs due to the fear of gaining weight. While anorexia can be characterized by low body weight, it can occur in anyone. Some teens with anorexia are skinny, while others can be overweight.
Anorexia is not just an eating disorder; it is also a mental health issue. It is unique because it is tied to one’s body image issues. Teenagers with anorexia have a distorted self-image where they think they are bigger than they should be. This leads them to restrict their food intake severely. Although some teens with anorexia say they want to gain weight, their actions do not match their words. They eat very little food or starve themselves despite saying they want to gain weight.
Anorexia comes in two distinct types. These include the following:
Restrictive type: This type of anorexia is characterized by excessive food restriction.
Binge-purge or bulimic type: Teenagers with this type of anorexia have restrictive eating habits but may experience episodes of binge eating and purging. Purging is the forceful removal of food from the digestive tract through vomiting or laxative use.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia in Teens
Teenagers with anorexia may present with various symptoms. As a parent or guardian, you need to know what to look out for to get your teen the help they need. Some warning signs of anorexia in teens include the following:
Physical Symptoms
Excessive weight loss, with some adults having a BMI of under 18.5
Fatigue and feeling weak
Fainting and lightheadedness
Gastrointestinal issues
Constipation
Always feeling cold
Inflammation of the arms and legs
Bruises on the knuckles or wearing away of the teeth for teens with the bulimic type of anorexia
Dry skin
Low bone density that leads to fractures
A lack of appetite
Heart arrhythmia
Loss of hair
An irregular or absent menstrual cycle
Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms
Increased anxiety
Feeling depressed
Obsessing over calories and different types of food
Too much focus on one’s appearance
Feeling like they are gaining weight even when they have low body mass
Irritability
Lack of interest in activities
Wearing baggy clothes to hide low body mass
Insomnia
Exercising too much
Overuse of medications like laxatives and appetite suppressants
Being overly critical of one’s own body
If your teen exhibits a combination of these symptoms, seek professional help immediately.
What Causes Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents?
Anorexia is caused by a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The following are the causes and risk factors for anorexia:
Genetics
Having a first-degree relative with an eating disorder significantly increases the risk of developing anorexia. Some studies suggest that teens whose parents or siblings have anorexia are ten times as likely to develop the condition. It is not clearly understood how genetics plays a part in the development of eating disorders. However, some studies show that identical twins are more likely to share an anorexia diagnosis. In contrast, fraternal (dizygotic) twins are less likely to share a diagnosis. It is believed that since identical twins share the same genes, there might be a genetic component to anorexia development.
Chemical Imbalance in the Brain
Chemical imbalances can be linked to the development of anorexia. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter. It is responsible for regulating mood and appetite. If your teen has a serotonin imbalance, they may eat less or starve themselves. Similarly, dopamine imbalances can lead to food aversion in teenagers. These chemical imbalances may also lead to other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can result in the development of anorexia. Teens with OCD may have obsessions about perfectionism. This obsession can cause your teen to starve themselves because they want to be perfect. They will not eat even when hungry because it will ruin their sense of perfection.
Bullying and Social Media Influence
If your teen has been bullied about their weight, they may develop anorexia. Bullying of any kind is harmful. It distorts a teenager’s sense of self and can contribute to the development of mental health conditions. During adolescence, teenagers crave acceptance by their peers. This may cause them to starve themselves to be socially accepted.
Additionally, social media influence exacerbates body image issues. Social media glamorizes and idealizes certain body types. Teens who do not fit the “socially acceptable mold” might start engaging in harmful habits like self-starvation to conform to social media standards.
A History of Diet
Teens with a history of dieting are at an increased risk of developing anorexia. While dieting is not bad, it can easily be taken too far. Teenagers who start dieting at an early age develop a negative relationship with food. They start obsessing over the results of going on a diet. As a result, they may develop anorexia to ensure they do not lose the progress they have made.
Sports
It is common knowledge that teens who engage in certain sporting activities are more likely to become anorexic than others. Sports like ballet, gymnastics, and cheerleading focus on a teen’s body shape and size. Teens with a lower body mass are more likely to excel in such sports. As a result, teenagers start starving themselves to reach a weight that will help progress their careers. As a parent or guardian, you should be extra careful if your teen is part of these sports. Some trainers encourage these harmful practices, which can harm your teen in the long run.
Health Risks and Long-Term Effects
Anorexia is a serious mental health condition. According to the American Psychiatric Association, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate among all mental health conditions other than opioid use. As a parent or guardian, you should seek professional help immediately to prevent long-term health effects. The following are common health risks and long-term effects of untreated anorexia:
Anaemia
Loss of muscle mass
Mitral valve prolapse
Heart failure
Osteoporosis
Kidney failure
Depression
Alcohol and substance abuse
Self-harm
Suicidal ideation and suicide
Fertility issues
Rhabdomyolysis
Death
How Anorexia Nervosa Is Diagnosed
Anorexia is diagnosed using the criteria laid down in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Your teen needs to meet the following criteria:
Intentional caloric intake restriction relative to energy requirements leading to extreme loss of weight relative to age and sex
An intense fear of gaining weight
Body image issues that make one disturbed by their body weight or shape
Lack of recognition of the dangers of extremely low body weight
Your teen will also be physically evaluated to rule out other physical conditions causing their symptoms. Additionally, they will undergo various lab tests to assess the effect anorexia is having on their bodies. Some standard tests that will be run include the following: EKG (electrocardiogram), blood count, liver function test, kidney function test, and thyroid test.
Effective Treatment Options for Teen Anorexia
Anorexia is a treatable mental health condition. The goal of treatment is to help teens recover from extreme weight loss and get back to a healthy weight. Treatment also addresses the underlying issues that result from anorexia. Anorexia in teenagers is treated using the following interventions:
Nutritional Counseling
Nutrition counseling is a treatment approach used by medical practitioners to manage eating disorders. It involves a multidisciplinary team consisting of a psychiatrist, therapist, and dietitian. Its goal is to restore your teen’s weight while also addressing the underlying behavioral symptoms of anorexia. Anorexic teens can be hard to treat. This is attributable to their inherent fear of gaining weight. During nutritional counseling, your teen will be taught to recognize that they have a serious mental health condition. Many teens think that anorexia is a lifestyle choice rather than a serious mental health issue.
Nutritional counseling allows teenagers to consume enough food to regain their lost weight. During counseling, your teen will be taught what nutrients their bodies require. They will also receive emotional support while taking into account their unique fears. It is common for conversations in nutritional counseling to revolve around nutrition, body image, and gender. These conversations can help your teen focus on their health through sufficient nourishment.
Nutritional counseling can be effective in treating anorexia because it follows a gradual treatment plan designed to help teenagers overcome their condition. First, it will encourage your teen to increase caloric intake to restore body weight. It will then focus on stabilizing their electrolytes. Finally, it will help your teen dispel negative thoughts about their bodies.
Psychological Therapies
Teenagers with anorexia can also be treated using psychotherapy approaches. The most common types of treatment are as follows:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Anorexia stems from distorted body image issues. This makes CBT one of the best treatment options available. CBT teaches teens to recognize and change their negative thought patterns. Teens with anorexia have negative thoughts about their appearance. CBT will teach them to identify problematic thought patterns. This will help them change their outlook on their appearance.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a psychotherapy approach that teaches teens to be mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Mindfulness allows your teen to live in the present and appreciate their current circumstances. This can be useful for teens with anorexia. They will learn to accept their appearance without judgment.
Inpatient, Outpatient, and Residential Programs
Anorexia can be treated using inpatient, outpatient, or residential programs. The type of program you enroll your teen in will depend on the severity of the condition. If your teen has mild anorexia, they may benefit from outpatient therapy. Inpatient and residential treatment programs are reserved for teens with severe cases of anorexia. These programs allow your teen to spend an extended period away from home to get away from triggering events.
How Nexus Teen Academy Helps Teens Heal from Anorexia
Anorexia is a serious but treatable eating disorder. Whether you are looking for treatment for eating disorders in teen boys or girls, we offer compassionate care for teens with anorexia. Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive treatment using evidence-based and holistic approaches. We provide residential treatment that ensures your teen overcomes their fear of gaining weight. We teach them the importance of nutrition and a healthy weight. Our facility offers a safe and inclusive space where your teen will receive tailored care. We integrate medical, psychological, and peer-based support to ensure your teen overcomes challenges. If you would like to enroll your teen with anorexia in one of our programs, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What age does anorexia nervosa usually start in teens?
The age of onset of anorexia nervosa is between 12 and 17 years. However, it can begin at any point in life.
How can I tell if my teen’s dieting is becoming dangerous?
You can tell that your teen’s dieting is getting dangerous when they exhibit the following warning signs:
Cutting out entire food groups that they enjoyed
Skipping meals
Extreme food restriction
Refusing to socialize with their peers
Extreme loss of weight
Obsession with body weight
Overuse of medication like appetite suppressants and laxatives to manage weight
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Anorexia Nervosa in Teens: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatment
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On October 2, 2025
Table of Contents
Teen eating disorders are serious but treatable mental health conditions. Eating disorders like teen anorexia nervosa can not only be dangerous but also fatal in some scenarios. Anorexia is a common eating disorder in teen girls characterized by fear of gaining weight. As a parent or guardian, you should seek immediate professional help if you suspect that your teen might have anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder.
This article will explore anorexia nervosa in teens. It will highlight its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. It will also examine the long-term effects of untreated anorexia. At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the importance of early anorexia treatment. Contact us today to get compassionate and effective care for your teen.
What Is Teen Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa, simply known as anorexia, is a serious mental health condition that causes teenagers to become obsessed with their weight. Anorexia causes teenagers to restrict their food intake because they have an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. Such teenagers tend to have very low body weight since they limit their dietary needs due to the fear of gaining weight. While anorexia can be characterized by low body weight, it can occur in anyone. Some teens with anorexia are skinny, while others can be overweight.
Anorexia is not just an eating disorder; it is also a mental health issue. It is unique because it is tied to one’s body image issues. Teenagers with anorexia have a distorted self-image where they think they are bigger than they should be. This leads them to restrict their food intake severely. Although some teens with anorexia say they want to gain weight, their actions do not match their words. They eat very little food or starve themselves despite saying they want to gain weight.
Anorexia comes in two distinct types. These include the following:
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia in Teens
Teenagers with anorexia may present with various symptoms. As a parent or guardian, you need to know what to look out for to get your teen the help they need. Some warning signs of anorexia in teens include the following:
Physical Symptoms
Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms
If your teen exhibits a combination of these symptoms, seek professional help immediately.
What Causes Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents?
Anorexia is caused by a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The following are the causes and risk factors for anorexia:
Genetics
Having a first-degree relative with an eating disorder significantly increases the risk of developing anorexia. Some studies suggest that teens whose parents or siblings have anorexia are ten times as likely to develop the condition. It is not clearly understood how genetics plays a part in the development of eating disorders. However, some studies show that identical twins are more likely to share an anorexia diagnosis. In contrast, fraternal (dizygotic) twins are less likely to share a diagnosis. It is believed that since identical twins share the same genes, there might be a genetic component to anorexia development.
Chemical Imbalance in the Brain
Chemical imbalances can be linked to the development of anorexia. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter. It is responsible for regulating mood and appetite. If your teen has a serotonin imbalance, they may eat less or starve themselves. Similarly, dopamine imbalances can lead to food aversion in teenagers. These chemical imbalances may also lead to other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can result in the development of anorexia. Teens with OCD may have obsessions about perfectionism. This obsession can cause your teen to starve themselves because they want to be perfect. They will not eat even when hungry because it will ruin their sense of perfection.
Bullying and Social Media Influence
If your teen has been bullied about their weight, they may develop anorexia. Bullying of any kind is harmful. It distorts a teenager’s sense of self and can contribute to the development of mental health conditions. During adolescence, teenagers crave acceptance by their peers. This may cause them to starve themselves to be socially accepted.
Additionally, social media influence exacerbates body image issues. Social media glamorizes and idealizes certain body types. Teens who do not fit the “socially acceptable mold” might start engaging in harmful habits like self-starvation to conform to social media standards.
A History of Diet
Teens with a history of dieting are at an increased risk of developing anorexia. While dieting is not bad, it can easily be taken too far. Teenagers who start dieting at an early age develop a negative relationship with food. They start obsessing over the results of going on a diet. As a result, they may develop anorexia to ensure they do not lose the progress they have made.
Sports
It is common knowledge that teens who engage in certain sporting activities are more likely to become anorexic than others. Sports like ballet, gymnastics, and cheerleading focus on a teen’s body shape and size. Teens with a lower body mass are more likely to excel in such sports. As a result, teenagers start starving themselves to reach a weight that will help progress their careers. As a parent or guardian, you should be extra careful if your teen is part of these sports. Some trainers encourage these harmful practices, which can harm your teen in the long run.
Health Risks and Long-Term Effects
Anorexia is a serious mental health condition. According to the American Psychiatric Association, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate among all mental health conditions other than opioid use. As a parent or guardian, you should seek professional help immediately to prevent long-term health effects. The following are common health risks and long-term effects of untreated anorexia:
How Anorexia Nervosa Is Diagnosed
Anorexia is diagnosed using the criteria laid down in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Your teen needs to meet the following criteria:
Your teen will also be physically evaluated to rule out other physical conditions causing their symptoms. Additionally, they will undergo various lab tests to assess the effect anorexia is having on their bodies. Some standard tests that will be run include the following: EKG (electrocardiogram), blood count, liver function test, kidney function test, and thyroid test.
Effective Treatment Options for Teen Anorexia
Anorexia is a treatable mental health condition. The goal of treatment is to help teens recover from extreme weight loss and get back to a healthy weight. Treatment also addresses the underlying issues that result from anorexia. Anorexia in teenagers is treated using the following interventions:
Nutritional Counseling
Nutrition counseling is a treatment approach used by medical practitioners to manage eating disorders. It involves a multidisciplinary team consisting of a psychiatrist, therapist, and dietitian. Its goal is to restore your teen’s weight while also addressing the underlying behavioral symptoms of anorexia. Anorexic teens can be hard to treat. This is attributable to their inherent fear of gaining weight. During nutritional counseling, your teen will be taught to recognize that they have a serious mental health condition. Many teens think that anorexia is a lifestyle choice rather than a serious mental health issue.
Nutritional counseling allows teenagers to consume enough food to regain their lost weight. During counseling, your teen will be taught what nutrients their bodies require. They will also receive emotional support while taking into account their unique fears. It is common for conversations in nutritional counseling to revolve around nutrition, body image, and gender. These conversations can help your teen focus on their health through sufficient nourishment.
Nutritional counseling can be effective in treating anorexia because it follows a gradual treatment plan designed to help teenagers overcome their condition. First, it will encourage your teen to increase caloric intake to restore body weight. It will then focus on stabilizing their electrolytes. Finally, it will help your teen dispel negative thoughts about their bodies.
Psychological Therapies
Teenagers with anorexia can also be treated using psychotherapy approaches. The most common types of treatment are as follows:
Inpatient, Outpatient, and Residential Programs
Anorexia can be treated using inpatient, outpatient, or residential programs. The type of program you enroll your teen in will depend on the severity of the condition. If your teen has mild anorexia, they may benefit from outpatient therapy. Inpatient and residential treatment programs are reserved for teens with severe cases of anorexia. These programs allow your teen to spend an extended period away from home to get away from triggering events.
How Nexus Teen Academy Helps Teens Heal from Anorexia
Anorexia is a serious but treatable eating disorder. Whether you are looking for treatment for eating disorders in teen boys or girls, we offer compassionate care for teens with anorexia. Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive treatment using evidence-based and holistic approaches. We provide residential treatment that ensures your teen overcomes their fear of gaining weight. We teach them the importance of nutrition and a healthy weight. Our facility offers a safe and inclusive space where your teen will receive tailored care. We integrate medical, psychological, and peer-based support to ensure your teen overcomes challenges. If you would like to enroll your teen with anorexia in one of our programs, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The age of onset of anorexia nervosa is between 12 and 17 years. However, it can begin at any point in life.
You can tell that your teen’s dieting is getting dangerous when they exhibit the following warning signs: