Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ea4aQpMgii8   We think of those with the anorexia eating disorder as skinny, undernourished teens and 20 somethings.  The latest research from UC-San Francisco shows that anorexics may have normal body weights, be overweight or obese.  They can also suffer profound metabolic disturbances that may be fatal.   Such patients suffer from so-called Atypical Anorexia.  The investigators compared 50 atypical anorexics with 66 underweight anorexics.  More than 90% were female with an average age of 16.     Atypicals and standard anorexics both have cardiac problems and menstrual irregularities.. Atypicals have more negative feelings about their bodies and are more likely to have experienced large, rapid, and continuing weight losses.   Anorexia is dangerous.  If you suspect it, get professional help.   Andrea K. Garber, Jing Cheng, Erin C. Accurso, Sally H. Adams, Sara M. Buckelew, Cynthia J. Kapphahn, Anna Kreiter, Daniel Le Grange, Vanessa I. Machen, Anna-Barbara Moscicki, Kristina Saffra