Mental health
Medicines for Anorexia nervosa
A serious eating disorder involving restricting food and an intense fear of gaining weight, with a distorted body image — treatable, and where early help greatly improves recovery.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition and eating disorder in which a person keeps their weight as low as possible by restricting how much they eat, often exercising excessively, and sometimes using other methods to lose weight. It is driven by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of their body — seeing themselves as overweight even when they are underweight.
- How it is treated: Treatment addresses both the psychological aspects and physical health, usually through specialist eating disorder services, and involves the person and (especially for young people) their family.
- Self-care: Engaging with specialist treatment, working towards a regular pattern of eating with support, involving trusted family or friends, and being patient and compassionate with oneself all support recovery.
- When to seek help: See a GP as early as possible about restricting food, fear of weight gain, or worry about an eating disorder in yourself or someone else — early treatment greatly improves recovery.
What it is
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition and eating disorder in which a person keeps their weight as low as possible by restricting how much they eat, often exercising excessively, and sometimes using other methods to lose weight. It is driven by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of their body — seeing themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. It is not fundamentally about food or vanity, but a way of coping with difficult feelings and a need for control. It can affect anyone, of any age, gender or background. Because severe food restriction affects the whole body, anorexia can cause serious physical complications — affecting the heart, bones, hormones, periods and more — and it has one of the highest risks of any mental health condition, which is why it must be taken seriously and treated. Early treatment greatly improves the chance of recovery.
How it is treated
Treatment addresses both the psychological aspects and physical health, usually through specialist eating disorder services, and involves the person and (especially for young people) their family. Psychological therapies designed for eating disorders are central, helping the person understand and change the thoughts and behaviours involved and rebuild a healthy relationship with food, alongside supported, gradual restoration of weight and nutrition. Physical health is monitored and any complications treated; more severe or unsafe cases may need intensive or inpatient treatment. Family-based treatment is particularly effective for children and young people. Recovery can take time and support, and relapses can happen, but many people do recover. Compassion, hope, and early, specialist help make a real difference.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Anorexia nervosa
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Engaging with specialist treatment, working towards a regular pattern of eating with support, involving trusted family or friends, and being patient and compassionate with oneself all support recovery. Recovery is possible, and early help improves the outlook.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP as early as possible about restricting food, fear of weight gain, or worry about an eating disorder in yourself or someone else — early treatment greatly improves recovery. Seek urgent help for physical collapse, or thoughts of suicide (Samaritans 116 123, or 999 in immediate danger).
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Anorexia nervosa: frequently asked questions
Is anorexia just about food or wanting to be thin?
No. It is a serious mental health condition, often a way of coping with difficult feelings and a need for control, involving an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. It affects the whole body and needs proper treatment.
Can people recover from anorexia?
Yes. Many people recover with specialist treatment combining psychological therapy, supported weight and nutrition restoration, and physical monitoring. Recovery can take time, and early help greatly improves the chances.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG69 — Eating disorders
- Beat / NHS — Anorexia
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