anorexia
n. uncountablen. a serious mental health condition where a person limits their food intake to avoid gaining weight. It often involves a very strong fear of being fat, even if the person is dangerously thin.
n. an eating disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat. Often involves a distorted body image and severe psychological distress regarding weight gain.
The doctor is treating her for anorexia.
Early intervention is vital for patients showing signs of anorexia to prevent long-term damage to the heart and bones.
While often discussed in a purely physical context, anorexia is a complex psychological condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving both nutritional support and intensive psychotherapy.
From Ancient Greek ἀνορεξία (anorexía), from ἀν- (an-, “without”) + ὄρεξις (órexis, “appetite”). By surface analysis, an- + -orexia.
Typically used without an article when referring to the medical condition.