Condition Basics

What is atypical anorexia?

Atypical anorexia (also called atypical anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder. It is a serious illness that is diagnosed by a healthcare provider. People with atypical anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight. They severely limit their food intake. They often struggle with their bodies and the way they look. People with atypical anorexia are underweight for their own body, but they don’t seem to be underweight according to standard weight categories.

What are the symptoms?

People with atypical anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight or of their bodies changing. They are not eating enough food to be healthy. But this disorder may be overlooked because there is a misconception that the health risks of weight loss only apply to people who seem to be underweight according to standard weight categories.

How is atypical anorexia treated?

People with atypical anorexia may work with different types of professionals—their family doctor, a dietitian, a mental health or eating disorder counsellor, or a peer support worker. Counselling and specialized treatment may help you learn to eat more regularly and to eat a variety of foods. It may also help you to develop a better relationship with your body and compassion for yourself. It is important to have an assessment done by a trained professional who can decide if you need specialized eating disorder services and treatment in a hospital.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Here are some things you can do to take care of yourself during recovery or while you are waiting for professional care for an eating disorder.

• Try to stick to your treatment and recovery plan. Go to any counselling sessions you have. If you can't go, or if you don't think the sessions are helping, talk to your counsellor about it.
• Take any medicines you've been prescribed exactly as directed.
• Listen to what your counsellor and dietitian say about healthy eating. You can work with them to make a plan to eat a variety of healthy foods. Aim to eat 3 meals and 3 snacks per day, including foods with carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
• Use helpful ways to deal with stress and support from others to cope with day-to-day challenges. Managing stress is important in recovery. Explore different ways to manage stress that work for you. You could try things like journalling, volunteering, reading, or meditating.
• Consider taking breaks from social media or only following accounts that don’t cause you stress or encourage body comparison.
• Seek care from trusted professionals and people who accept you and support you along your journey. This might be caring family members, friends, or an eating disorders support group. Make sure any support group is run by a reputable community-based organization or specialized clinic for eating disorders.
• Take it easy on yourself. Focus on your good qualities. Don't blame yourself for your disorder. And remember that recovery takes time and that you can make progress one goal at a time.