Anorexia Basics
Anorexia is a biologically-driven brain disorder. When a genetically vulnerable person experiences an environmental trigger, anorexia can develop. Environmental triggers include an injury or illness that reduces calorie intake, increased exercise such as training for a race, voluntary dieting, and other situations that cause calories expended to exceed calories consumed. Genetics play a major role in anorexia. Genes contribute 50-80% of the risk of developing anorexia. Having family members with a brain disorder contributes to a person’s genetic vulnerability. Brain disorders that create anorexia susceptibility include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others. When anorexia is triggered, the person feels comforted by the lack of eating. While the average person feels agitated when a meal is delayed or missed, an anorexic feels calm, and maintains a reasonable energy level. Being able to remain active despite a lack of fo