Eating disorders are prevalent in our nation and are becoming incontrollable because of the socialization of youth today. It is ranked the third most common chronic illness in adolescent females and the prevalence is increasing year after year. Even though these illnesses are seen primarily in adolescents, they also occur in mature women and in a small number of men. There are two main eating illnesses that exist in our modern society. Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder that is marked by an extreme fear of becoming overweight which leads to excessive dieting and starvation. Where as Bulimia is a condition of overeating that is followed by under eating, use of laxatives, or self induced vomiting. Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can be very dangerous not only to our physical bodies, but to our mind and our psychological thinking. Furthermore it can result in a disturbance in our social lives, immune systems, and can even cause death. .
Many young people do not know how to cope with the problems typical of adolescence, growing up and becoming independent, which may trigger off these disorders. Uncontrollable changes in hormones, in young individuals develop during puberty. This may cause them to gain weight in some cases. Which bring about feelings of helplessness, and the fear of becoming fat. It could be instigated by poor self-esteem, and a lack of self-confidence. The negative comments made by family, friends and peers increases a poor sense of self. The high expectations of parents who are overly concerned about their daughters' weight and physical attractiveness may also put the girls at increased risk of developing an eating disorder. In addition, girls with eating disorders often have fathers and brothers who are overly critical of their weight. The pressure to look slim and beautiful impressed by the media and fashion industry also aggravates the situation.