Anorexia

            
            
             In the world today glamorized and airbrushed images of the human being are being thrown into our society. Most of the actors, super-models, and athletes we have all become familiar with have some form of eating disorder. We are starting to perceive each other by our outwardly appearances rather than on our personalities. Women are expected to have perfect figures and for some, this can be lethal. Many young girls feel they are overweight or do not fit up to the standards they so often see through magazines and television. This can be a sign of stress or depression, and can develop into an eating disorder like anorexia. .
             Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening eating disorder where people intentionally starve themselves or severely restrict their food intake. Other essential features of this disorder include an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea. Many girls suffering from anorexia complain of feeling cold because their body temperature drops, their nails and hair become brittle and their skin can become dry and yellow. Like all eating disorders, it tends to occur in pre or post puberty and involves extreme weight loss by at least 15 percent below a young woman's normal body weight. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects adolescent girls, although it can also occur in men and older women. Many people with the disorder look emaciated but are convinced that they are overweight. Sometimes they must be hospitalized to prevent starvation, yet they often continue to deny the condition. Food and weight become obsessions. For some, the compulsiveness shows up in strange eating rituals or the refusal to eat in front of others. It is not uncommon for people with anorexia to collect recipes and prepare huge gourmet meals for family and friends, but not take part in the meals themselves. They may adhere to strict exercise routines even though they are deprived of nutrition and have absolutely nothing to lose.