Anorexia: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Anorexia is defined as a marked loss or decrease of appetite, leading to a significant reduction in food intake. It can be caused by psychological factors, as in the case of anorexia nervosa, or by underlying illnesses such as cancers or chronic infections. Anorexia nervosa, in particular, is characterized by voluntary food restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight, despite sometimes extreme thinness.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for anorexia are diverse and can be divided into three main categories: 2 Physiological: With age, alterations in taste and smell can appear, reducing the desire to eat. 2 Organic: Certain acute or chronic conditions (like cancer, organ failure, or infections) and certain medications (antimitotics, opiates) can cause loss of appetite. 2 Psychological: Emotional disorders, such as depression or a history of eating disorders, also increase the risk of anorexia.

Etiologies

Anorexia can be linked to organic or psychogenic causes. 2 Organic: It can result from underlying diseases like cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, or organ failure. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, produced by the immune system in response to inflammation, are often involved in triggering anorexia in these contexts. 2 Psychogenic: In the case of anorexia nervosa, the disorder is often linked to psychological factors such as an obsessive desire to lose weight, even in individuals already exhibiting extreme thinness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anorexia involves several key steps. The interview is essential to understand the patient's perception of their appetite and weight. It is crucial to differentiate anorexia from early satiety, which can be caused by other digestive disorders. Clinical evaluation, particularly in cases of anorexia nervosa, often shows rapid and significant weight loss, associated with amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) in women. Patients may deny their thinness and maintain a distorted view of their body, perceiving themselves as overweight despite clear signs of undernutrition.

Treatment

The management of anorexia depends on its underlying cause, but generally includes several components. 2 Nutritional support: The progressive reintroduction of a balanced diet is often the first goal. This may involve oral nutritional supplements, or even enteral nutrition (via a tube) in cases of severe undernutrition. 2 Psychological treatments: In cases of anorexia nervosa, psychotherapeutic follow-up is essential. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, focused on body perception and the relationship with food, as well as family therapies, can play a crucial role in recovery. 2 Appetite-stimulating medications: In some cases of organic anorexia, medications aimed at stimulating appetite may be prescribed. These treatments are often used as a complement to restore nutritional intake.