When people think of eating disorders, it's almost always an initial thought of anorexia. A standard perception is a girl, who's stick and bones that refuses to eat or sticks her fingers down her throat. People fail to realize how much more it is though.
First of all, anorexia is a psychological disorder. Many people suffer from loss of self-worth and take it out on their bodies. Distorted perceptions of weight and body image cause these people to use extreme measures in controlling their weight and look. With an unhealthy and irrational fear of weight gain, dieting, exercising, or refusing to eat aren't uncommon.
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders even say that about half of anorexics have other problems like OCD or social phobia. This all means that anorexia develops into every aspect of their lives. Which is also why 1/5 of deaths from anorexia are actually suicide.
Physically exhausting the body is what occurs with this disease. It's like malnutrition in the sense of how the effects are due to not getting the calories, vitamins, or macronutrients needed. Mayo clinic gives a list of what the physical changes might be; "Extreme weight loss or not making expected developmental weight gains, Thin appearance, Abnormal blood counts, Fatigue, Insomnia, Dizziness or fainting, Bluish discoloration of the fingers, Hair that thins, breaks or falls out, Soft, downy hair covering the body, Absence of menstruation, Constipation and abdominal pain, Dry or yellowish skin, Intolerance of cold, Irregular heart rhythms, Low blood pressure, Dehydration, Swelling of arms or legs, Eroded teeth and calluses on the knuckles from induced vomiting". All symptoms that would cause disruption in a normal life.
The other main point of anorexia is people's view on it. It's not taken seriously for the deadly problems it can occur and people might not believe it's actually real based on who you are. However, anorexia can effect anyone. Overweight, underweight, male, female, young or old; it doesn't matter.
Anorexia nervosa is a serious disease that can kill without help.
