Barometric Nervosa

Abstract

In this article, we conceptualize and critique the condition, barometric nervosa, which we define as “an extreme obsession with measuring one’s weight and other anthropometric parameters, leading to ill-health”. Barometric nervosa may be related to, but is different from, anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by extremely low body weight, along with either restrictive eating or binge eating, and purging. We suggest that this aspect of psychobarocrinology be addressed as a part of clinical evaluation, and be explored in future research in bariatric medicine.

Keywords: Anorexia, obesity, barometric nervosa, egodystonic obesity, orthorexia nervosa