Symptom 3. Fear of Weight Gain: The Core Belief in Anorexia
At the heart of anorexia nervosa lies a deep-seated fear of weight gain. This fear often stems from a distorted body image, in which the individual perceives themselves as overweight, even when they are not. This inaccurate self-perception can drive them to engage in harmful behaviors in an attempt to prevent weight gain and maintain control over their body.
This fear of weight gain can manifest itself in various ways. For some, it may involve constant self-monitoring, such as frequent weighing, body checking in mirrors, or measuring body parts with a tape measure. For others, it may lead to the avoidance of certain foods, food groups, or entire meals, as they believe these will cause weight gain.
The fear of weight gain can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Individuals with anorexia may experience extreme guilt or shame after eating, leading them to engage in compensatory behaviors such as excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting, or the use of laxatives and diuretics. (3)
