Anorexia nervosa is a serious and complex mental health disorder marked by a distorted body image and an intense fear of weight gain. Often misunderstood, anorexia isn't about food or vanity – it stems from biological, psychological, and social factors and can affect anyone. What are the warning signs? And how can recovery be supported? We spoke with Kamryn Eddy, PhD, co-director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, about how to recognize the signs of anorexia, supporting loved ones, emerging treatments options, and the crucial role of hope in recovery.

<p><a class="linkable-text" href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa/mental-health-anorexia-nervosa#1-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-testid="linkable-text">Anorexia nervosa</a> is a serious and complex mental health disorder marked by a distorted body image and an intense fear of weight gain. Often misunderstood, anorexia isn't about food or vanity – it stems from biological, psychological, and social factors and can affect anyone. What are the <a class="linkable-text" href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/signs-of-eating-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-testid="linkable-text">warning signs</a>? And how can recovery be supported? We spoke with <a class="linkable-text" href="https://researchers.mgh.harvard.edu/profile/1532619/Kamryn-Eddy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-testid="linkable-text">Kamryn Eddy, PhD</a>, co-director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, about how to recognize the signs of anorexia, supporting loved ones, emerging treatments options, and the crucial role of hope in recovery.</p>

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is a serious and complex mental health disorder marked by a distorted body image and an intense fear of weight gain. Often misunderstood, anorexia isn't about food or vanity – it stems from biological, psychological, and social factors and can...

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