Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental condition characterised by abnormal bodyweight because of fear of weight gain. The condition involves emotional challenges as one surrounds themselves with an unrealistic body image. The condition affects everyone differently, though.

People with anorexia may have an urge to control their weight and maintain a body shape, using ways that tend to be affecting their lives or turn inauthentic.

In a significant number of cases, an individual may lose enough weight, have the characteristic traits of anorexia but may not have a low body mass index. It is called atypical anorexia nervosa.

The condition typically seems to be more prevalent in teenagers or adulthood, but it may also be experienced in preteenage or later in life. It is mostly diagnosed in adolescent women, but younger women may also have it.