What is Atypical Anorexia?

Atypical anorexia nervosa is a form of eating disorder characterized by behaviors similar to anorexia nervosa, but without the significant weight loss typically required for diagnosis. You be diagnosed with anorexia without being underweight.

Individuals with atypical anorexia may maintain an average or above-normal body weight, yet still experience symptoms such as restricted eating, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and self-esteem heavily influenced by body weight. 

Classified under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) in the DSM-5, atypical anorexia is one of the most prevalent eating disorders among adults. The condition highlights the broader issue of eating disorders, which affect millions across various demographics and have the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses. Factors such as genetics, environment, and personality traits contribute to the risk of developing these disorders, underscoring the need for awareness and understanding of their impact on diverse populations.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia is a serious eating disorder that involves an intense fear of gaining weight. It leads individuals to restrict their food intake significantly, often resulting in extreme weight loss. People with anorexia may have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. This condition can have severe physical and emotional consequences.

What is Atypical Anorexia?

Atypical anorexia nervosa is a condition where individuals exhibit eating behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa but do not meet the low-weight criteria for diagnosis. Unlike traditional anorexia, which involves significant weight loss and intense fear of gaining weight, those with atypical anorexia may have a body weight that is average or above normal. This condition is classified under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) in the DSM-5 and is one of the most common eating disorders among adults.

Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

• Restricted eating patterns
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image
• Denial of being underweight
• Self-esteem is heavily influenced by body weight
• Being significantly underweight compared to peers

Anorexia nervosa has two main subtypes:

1. Restricting type: Weight loss through fasting, excessive exercise, or dieting.
2. Binge-eating/purging type: Binge eating followed by purging through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise.

There are also other types of anorexia, such as anorexia athletica and atypical anorexia, which fall under “Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders” in the DSM.

Why Atypical Anorexia is Extremely Dangerous?

Atypical anorexia is extremely dangerous because individuals may not recognize their symptoms as a severe eating disorder due to their body weight falling within or exceeding the normal range. This misunderstanding can lead to a delay in seeking life-saving medical and mental health treatment. 

Furthermore, healthcare providers may overlook the condition due to weight stigma, further complicating access to necessary care. Without proper recognition and treatment, individuals with atypical anorexia can experience debilitating effects and may not understand the urgent need for comprehensive support. Treatment must be individualized to effectively address the unique symptoms and needs of each person.

According to Lock, J. D.’s 2009 study, ‘Anorexia nervosa’, Approximately 5% of individuals with anorexia nervosa may die as a result of complications from the disorder, while about 20% may develop a chronic eating disorder, underscoring the serious health risks associated with this condition and the importance of early intervention and treatment.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are not just about food and eating choices. They are complex and challenging mental health conditions that often require comprehensive mental health intervention and medical treatments at specialized facilities like The Los Angeles Outpatient Center.

A common misconception about eating disorders is that they are a choice or “voluntary.” This dangerous misunderstanding about the physical and emotional challenges faced by someone with an eating disorder can lead to severe implications for those who need help but refuse to seek it due to ongoing stigma.

The term eating disorder encompasses various psychological conditions that lead to unhealthy eating habits. Depending on the illness and the individual, symptoms may start with an obsession with food, concerns about body weight, or a desire to achieve or maintain a particular body shape. In the most severe circumstances, disordered eating can lead to death if left untreated.

Eating disorders are most often reported in adolescents, teens, and young women. However, it is essential to note that anyone, regardless of age or gender identity, can have an eating disorder. 

According to a 202 study, titled, ‘Social and economic cost of eating disorders in the United States of America’, up to 9% of the US population has an eating disorder, and up to 13% of youth will experience symptoms of at least one eating disorder before reaching age 20.

To date, researchers have yet to discover a single cause or risk factor that increases your risk of developing an eating disorder. Experts suggest the root cause of these illnesses may stem from several factors, including social pressures, genetics, cultural expectations, personality traits, and brain chemistry.

Several eating disorder diagnoses are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The most familiar include anorexia and bulimia.

A specialized eating disorder treatment program, like that at The Los Angeles Outpatient Center, is often the most successful approach, requiring a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy that includes medical care, mental health support, and nutritional education, along with various therapy formats.

At The Los Angeles Outpatient Center, we understand it can be challenging to choose to seek treatment to overcome an eating disorder. The challenges are far more significant when you have vague symptoms or do not realize you have an eating disorder. Eating disorders can lead to overwhelming and debilitating physical and psychological difficulties without treatment.

In some cases, symptoms of an eating disorder can lead to dangerous and even deadly medical complications. If you or a loved one are concerned about eating disorder symptoms or your feelings about body image and food seem unhealthy, reach out to your primary care provider or a mental health provider here at The Los Angeles Outpatient Center. Members of our admissions team are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about how our programs can help you overcome an eating disorder like atypical anorexia.