Introduction & Theoretical Background
It is common for people to feel conscious of their eating, but extreme dieting and weight loss can lead to an eating disorder called anorexia (or anorexia nervosa), which may impact their physical and mental health. Symptoms of anorexia include:
- Eating less and less.
- Losing weight.
- Having strict rules about eating (e.g., what you are allowed to eat, when, and where).
- Thinking often about your weight and body shape.
- Feeling fat when others think you are too thin.
- Sometimes losing control over your food intake (binge-eating).
- Feeling low, irritable, and not wanting to be around others.
- Trying to prevent weight gain in other ways (e.g., vomiting or taking laxatives).
- Exercising excessively or compulsively.
Research has demonstrated that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a helpful psychological therapy for anorexia. CBT therapists work a bit like firefighters: while the fire is burning they’re not so interested in what caused it, but are more focused on what is keeping it going, and