Anorexia nervosa Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.
Answers to questions about anorexia nervosa
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- How long does it take to recover from anorexia?
- I have heard that anorexia can stop your periods and make you infertile. I have had anorexia in the past but have since recovered. Will I be able to become pregnant?
- Will I need to be admitted to hospital to be treated for anorexia?
How long does it take to recover from anorexia?
Recovery time varies from person to person.
Explanation
It takes an average of five to six years after you have been diagnosed to recover from anorexia. However, the time it takes to recover varies greatly depending on the person. For some people, anorexia lasts for a much shorter period of time, sometimes for only a few months.
About four out of 10 people with anorexia make a full recovery. Other people find that their condition improves with time. Only around three out of ten people don't make a recovery and go on to have a long-term eating disorder.
It's important that you seek help for anorexia as early as possible, because the sooner you get help the better your chances of recovery are. Recovering from an eating disorder can be a difficult process, but it is possible.
Further information
- beat: beating eating disorders
0845 634 1414 (adult helpline)
0845 634 7650 (youthline) www.b-eat.co.uk
Sources
- Morris J, Twaddle S. Anorexia nervosa. BMJ. 2007; 334: 894-898
- Palmer B. Understanding Eating Disorders. 1st ed. Family Doctor Publications in association with the British Medical Association, 2000: 20-21
- Changing minds - anorexia and bulimia. The Royal College of Psychiatrists. www.rcpsych.ac.uk, accessed 2 July 20088
- Beating eating disorders. Beat. www.b-eat.co.uk, accessed 3 July 2008
I have heard that anorexia can stop your periods and make you infertile. I have had anorexia in the past but have since recovered. Will I be able to become pregnant?
Yes. If you're having regular periods and are eating properly again you should be able to become pregnant.
Explanation
If you have anorexia your periods might stop. This happens because anorexia causes changes in the hormones that control your reproductive system. If your periods have stopped because of anorexia then you probably won't be able to get pregnant because you aren't ovulating (producing eggs).
Many women find that their periods start again once they have started to recover and their body is receiving the necessary nutrition. If your periods have started again then you should be able to get pregnant.
However, if you're still underweight and not eating enough then you may not be able to gain the amount of weight that you need to during pregnancy. So there is a risk that you would have a baby with a very low weight. This could mean that your baby has other health problems.
It's better for both you and your baby if you attempt to recover from anorexia before you try to get pregnant.
Try to eat a varied, well-balanced diet and stay at a healthy weight for several months before getting pregnant. You will need to do this throughout your pregnancy to make sure that both you and your baby stay healthy.
If you have anorexia and are already pregnant, you should let your GP know because you may require special care.
Further information
- beat: beating eating disorders
0845 634 1414 (adult helpline)
0845 634 7650 (youthline) www.b-eat.co.uk
Sources
- What is anorexia nervosa? Beat. www.b-eat.co.uk, accessed 2 July 2008
- Palmer B. Understanding Eating Disorders. 1st ed. Family Doctor Publications in association with the British Medical Association, 2000: 20-21
- Eating disorders and pregnancy: some facts about the risks. National Eating Disorders Association. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, accessed 3 July 2008
Will I need to be admitted to hospital to be treated for anorexia?
No, it's not likely. People with anorexia are usually treated without having to be admitted to hospital.
Explanation
Most people with anorexia can be treated as an outpatient. This means that you go to hospital to see your doctor but you won't have to stay overnight.
You only need to stay in a hospital ward or a special eating disorder unit if you're seriously ill or very weak. You may also need to stay in hospital if you have already had outpatient treatment but your anorexia hasn't improved, or if there is a risk that you might try to harm yourself.
Further information
- beat: beating eating disorders
0845 634 1414 (adult helpline)
0845 634 7650 (youthline) www.b-eat.co.uk
Sources
- Palmer B. Understanding Eating Disorders. 1st ed. Family Doctor Publications in association with the British Medical Association, 2000: 20-21
- Eating disorders. National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). www.nice.org.uk, accessed 2 July 2008
- Beating eating disorders. Beat. www.b-eat.co.uk, accessed 3 July 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2008
Anorexia nervosa factsheet
Visit the anorexia nervosa health factsheet for more information.
Rate this page
