Compiled here are definitions of the term ‘Anorexia Nervosa’, according to various sources. The reason for this article is to show the difference in definition depending on source. I do not claim that any of them are completely correct nor do I claim that any of them are incorrect. This is simply as a help for you to gain a better understanding for the term, according to these definitions.


Anorexia nervosa; from the Latin words meaning 'nervous loss of appetite'

A psycho physiological disorder usually occurring in young women that is characterized by an abnormal fear of becoming obese, a distorted self-image, a persistent unwillingness to eat, and severe weight loss. It is often accompanied by self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, malnutrition, amenorrhea, and other physiological changes. Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=anorexia%20nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a minimally accepted body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Inadequate calorie intake or excessive energy expenditure results in severe weight loss Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000362.htm#Definition

An eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder. It is a condition that goes well beyond out-of-control dieting. The person with anorexia, most often a girl or young woman, initially begins dieting to lose weight. Over time, the weight loss becomes a sign of mastery and control. The drive to become thinner is thought to be secondary to concerns about control and fears relating to one's body. The individual continues the endless cycle of restrictive eating, often to a point close to starvation. This becomes an obsession and is similar to an addiction to a drug. Anorexia can be life-threatening. Also called anorexia nervosa. Source: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2268

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that occurs primarily among girls and women. It is characterized by a fear of gaining weight, self-starvation, and a distorted view of body image. The condition is usually brought on by emotional disorders that lead a person to worry excessively about the appearance of his or her body. There are generally two types of anorexia: one is characterized by strict dieting and exercising; the other type includes binging and purging. Binging is the act of eating abnormally large amounts of food in a short period of time. Purging is the use of vomiting or other methods, such as laxatives, to empty the stomach. An individual who suffers from anorexia is called anorexic. Source: http://www.faqs.org/health/Sick-V1/Anorexia-Nervosa.html

Other sources: http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-9272888