Anorexia Nervosa: How Is the Feeling of Starvation Ignored?

Since the Minnesota Starvation Experiment was published in 1950, we have known that starvation comes with extreme physical and psychological side effects [1]. The disordered thoughts and behaviors of anorexia nervosa are intensified by the cognitive impairments accompanying starvation.

When an individual is starving, their body is severely malnourished, often leading to organ damage, circulatory problems, and much more. So how can someone with anorexia nervosa ignore feelings of hunger and the other side effects of severe malnutrition?

Embracing Feelings of Hunger

What being anorexic feels like differs from person to person. Often, intense feelings of hunger occur when an individual begins to restrict their diet severely. It might seem strange that a human being can ignore these natural hunger cues, but the mind of someone with active anorexia nervosa can warp hunger into a positive thing.

In this sense, hunger is often embraced. To the individual, it means they are “doing well” in their disorder. These hunger pangs might also be familiar to individuals who have struggled on and off for long periods, providing a unique sense of comfort.

That being said, it is not uncommon for those with anorexia nervosa to take appetite suppressants or other harmful supplements to manage hunger. Unfortunately, this comes with additional potential complications, as these supplements are generally not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be particularly dangerous when combined with the other physical effects of starvation.

Over time, feelings of hunger often dissipate entirely. Many people struggling with anorexia no longer feel hunger or fullness since they are disconnected from their bodies and physical needs. Therefore, they don’t need to learn how to ignore feeling hungry, as the sensation is foreign to them.

Self-Starvation Effects

Researchers say we can go about 70 days without food, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy [2]. Most people with anorexia struggle with their condition for years as they wax and wane between starving and eating healthfully.

Typically, starvation moves in three phases [2]:

1. Early starvation: The body breaks down fats and proteins to supply the body with energy. People lose weight.
2. Mild starvation: The body relies on fat stores for energy. The liver metabolizes fat cells, resulting in toxins building up throughout the body.
3. Advanced starvation: The body breaks down muscles to deliver energy, and the body loses the ability to digest food. People often look very ill at this stage, with dry skin, bloated stomachs, and swollen legs and feet.

The human body needs energy throughout the day to function properly. Without that constant supply, the effects of starvation become apparent, and they happen throughout the body. Common complications include the following [3]:

• Infertility
• Loss of sex drive
• Cardiovascular issues, including an increased risk of sudden death from heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Bowel problems
• Anemia
• Weak or thinning bones
• Poor concentration

Ignoring Physical Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa

People struggling with eating disorders typically engage in disordered eating to cope with unwanted thoughts or feelings. Unfortunately, the psychological effects of self-starvation magnify these unwanted thoughts or feelings, leading to a vicious cycle of maladaptive coping.

Ignoring the physical side effects of restriction on the body can become second nature to someone struggling with anorexia nervosa. As with feelings of hunger, the damage done to the individual’s body can almost become a marker for success to the disordered mind.

The general lack of self-reporting symptoms or seeking help for disordered eating highlights the strong need for competence in eating disorder treatment within the greater medical community [4]. Often, outpatient medical practitioners do not receive extensive training in eating disorders, leading to a lack of awareness and misdiagnosis.

By raising awareness of eating disorders and busting prevalent myths, the medical community, school systems, and loved ones can intervene early when they see an individual struggling with disordered eating.

Getting Back in Touch With Hunger

In recovery, individuals who have struggled with anorexia nervosa often have trouble getting back in touch with their natural hunger and fullness since they have ignored these functions for so long.

Do anorexic people get hungry? Not really. This is why meal plans are an integral part of weight restoration.

Eventually, many people in recovery can listen to their bodies and practice intuitive eating. This means honoring their natural hunger, fullness, and any cravings that might arise.

This is not always realistic in recovery, depending on your behaviors and many other factors. If someone starts to backslide in recovery, getting back on a short-term meal plan is often encouraged, even if intuitive eating is a component.

Individuals and their loved ones should be patient with the process of relearning hunger and fullness. After months or years of self-deprivation and not trusting your body, establishing this healthy and intuitive relationship can take a while. Take as much time as you need, and try not to rush the process.

When to Seek Help for Anorexia Nervosa

At some point, the effects of starvation can no longer be ignored. This moment looks different for each person.

For some, it might mean being hospitalized for severe malnutrition. It might mean fighting suicidal ideation or other psychological effects that can no longer go unaddressed for others.

If possible, seek help before it gets to this point. If you find yourself restricting food to cope with anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, or other unwanted feelings, reach out to a loved one or a professional who can get you the support you need and deserve.

References

1. Tobey JA. (1951). The Biology of Human Starvation. Am J Public Health Nations Health, 41(2):236–7.
2. Weiss TC. (2020). What Happens When We Starve? Disabled World.
3. Overview—Anorexia. (2021). NHS. Accessed September 2022.
4. Spotts-De Lazzer A, Muhlheim L. (2016). Eating Disorders and Scope of Competence for Outpatient Psychotherapists. Practice Innovations, 1(2):89-104.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 1st, 2023
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com