Introduction

People with anorexia have an extreme fear of gaining weight, which causes them to try to maintain a weight far less than normal. They will do almost anything to avoid gaining weight, including staving themselves or exercising too much. People with anorexia have a distorted body image -- they think they are fat (even when they are extremely thin) and won't maintain a proper weight.

Anorexia is an emotional disorder that focuses on food, but it is actually an attempt to deal with perfectionism and a desire to control things by strictly regulating food and weight. People with anorexia often feel that their self-esteem is tied to how thin they are.

Anorexia is increasingly common, especially among young women in industrialized countries where cultural expectations encourage women to be thin. Fueled by popular fixations with thin and lean bodies, anorexia is also affecting a growing number of men, particularly athletes and those in the military.

Anorexia most commonly affects teens, as many as 3 in 100. Although anorexia seldom appears before puberty, associated mental conditions, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior, are usually more severe when it does. Anorexia is often preceded by a traumatic event and is usually accompanied by other emotional problems. Anorexia is a life-threatening condition that can result in death from starvation, heart failure, electrolyte imbalance, or suicide.

It can be a chronic disease, one that you deal with over your lifetime. But treatment can help you develop a healthier lifestyle and avoid anorexia's complications.

The above information is based upon medical literature made available to Adam, (ii) is not intended to be used as a source of medical advice, and (iii) is not intended to be relied upon by any person or entity for purposes of medical diagnosis or treatment, and that Adam is not responsible for the decisions of Users relating to their use of the License Content (including, without limitation, a User's decision to seek or not to seek professional medical care or a specific treatment based upon the Licensed Content).