Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by an obsession to be thin, relentless and harmful dietary habits (e.g., starvation, purging) and weight loss.

There are two types of anorexia nervosa:

• Binge-eating/purging type. In this type of anorexia nervosa, patients regularly engage in binge eating and/or purging behaviors to control their weight. This is the most common type of anorexia nervosa. Often people with anorexia nervosa who binge eat also practice purging methods, including self-induced vomiting or misusing laxatives, diuretics or, rarely, enemas (injecting liquid into the intestines through the anus to empty the bowels). Sometimes, individuals with this type of anorexia nervosa do not binge eat, but regularly purge after consuming even small amounts of food.
  
  It is important to note that this type of anorexia nervosa differs from another eating disorder called bulimia nervosa. Although individuals with bulimia nervosa also engage in purging behaviors, they usually maintain a normal body weight or are overweight. To be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, a person must weigh more than 15 percent below the normal range for their age and body size and exhibit a distorted body image.
  
  
• Restricting type. In this type of anorexia nervosa, patients do not engage in purging methods to accomplish weight loss. Rather, individuals with restricting anorexia nervosa attain weight loss mainly by dieting, fasting and/or excessive exercise (anorexia athletica).