Introduction
Reverse anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by a relentless pursuit of an abnormally high body weight, often through the use of extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other weight-gain techniques. This disorder is relatively new to the field of eating disorders, and it is estimated that only 1-3% of people with eating disorders suffer from reverse anorexia. It is important to note that this disorder is not the same as anorexia nervosa, as those suffering from reverse anorexia are not trying to lose weight, but rather gain it. This article is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of reverse anorexia, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Definition
Reverse anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by a relentless pursuit of an abnormally high body weight, often through the use of extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other weight-gain techniques. It is not the same as anorexia nervosa, as those suffering from reverse anorexia are not trying to lose weight, but rather gain it. Reverse anorexia is also referred to as “reverse eating disorder” or “muscle dysmorphia.”
Causes
The exact causes of reverse anorexia are not known; however, it is believed to be linked to an individual’s perception of their body image. Those suffering from this disorder may have a distorted view of their body, believing that they are too thin and need to gain weight to be attractive. Additionally, this disorder may be caused by social pressures to conform to a certain body type, such as the muscular ideal of men or the thin ideal of women.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of reverse anorexia is the relentless pursuit of an abnormally high body weight. This may involve extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other weight-gain techniques, such as the use of supplements, steroids, or other medications. Other symptoms may include obsessive calorie counting, preoccupation with body image, and extreme preoccupation with food.
Treatment
The treatment for reverse anorexia is typically a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and nutritional counseling. CBT can help individuals understand the root causes of their disorder and develop healthier eating habits. Nutritional counseling can help individuals learn how to eat a balanced diet and gain weight in a healthy way. Medications, such as antidepressants, may also be used to treat reverse anorexia in some cases.
Conclusion
Reverse anorexia is a relatively new eating disorder characterized by a relentless pursuit of an abnormally high body weight. It is believed to be linked to an individual’s perception of their body image and the social pressures to conform to a certain body type. The symptoms of reverse anorexia include extreme dieting, excessive exercise, obsessive calorie counting, preoccupation with body image, and extreme preoccupation with food. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medications, such as antidepressants.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2019). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
Bryant-Waugh, R., & Lask, B. (2009). Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence (3rd ed.). London: Routledge.
Keel, P. K., & Klump, K. L. (2003). Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Annual Review of Psychology, 54(1), 197-221.
Kohn, M. R., & Garfinkel, P. E. (2020). Eating disorders. In M. R. Kohn (Ed.), Encyclopedia of mental health (2nd ed., pp. 314-324). Waltham, MA: Academic Press.
National Eating Disorders Association. (2020). Reverse anorexia. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/reverse-anorexia