DocTalk: Understanding Anorexia

When you hear the word "anorexia," what do you think of? Your perception is likely based on harmful stereotypes shared in pop culture and on social media.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where individuals engage in limiting the number of calories and often the types of food they eat leading to their bodies not receiving the nutrition that they need to function effectively based on their height, age, gender, physical health. This leads to weight loss and malnutrition that can be dangerous.
It can impact individuals of different cultures and ethnicities, shapes and sizes, identities and orientations, cognitive and physical abilities, and socioeconomic levels. Because the diagnosis is based on the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical manual) criteria, it may not present in the same way for all races or ethnicities nor does it truly cover the intricacies for those that are transgender and/or being prescribed hormonal therapy treatment to support in transitioning.
Learn more and dispel common myths with Dr. Erin Knopf and Dr. Corinne Hannan.