The ages when sufferers tend to be at high risk for developing this behavior is between twelve and eighteen years of age. The ages of sufferers range from pre-puberty to the early thirties (Van Deusen 150). Anorexics constantly think about their weight and they always see themselves as fat. White females from upper class families are most commonly affected by anorexia nervosa (Plotnik 325). .
There are many symptoms that indicate someone is suffering from an eating disorder. Symptoms can go unnoticed for a short period of time because anorexics learn to be very sneaky about their eating behaviors. A tremendous amount of weight loss is the first symptom that an observer usually notices. Anorexics count their bites during meals, cut their food into extremely small bites, and avoid eating a full meal by playing with the food on their plates. Anorexics also love to cook for others but they refuse to eat finished product. An anorexic exercises constantly, only eats low calorie foods, sometimes takes laxatives, and denies being hungry and frequently skips meals. Over time, anorexics become very exhausted because all of their energy is being used to over exercise and keep their body weight very low. They also develop very dry skin and their hair will eventually start thinning ("Anorexia Nervosa" 2). Anorexics begin to feel worthless because they feel their body is not the right size or shape.
"Anorexia nervosa affects one to three million Americans" (Insel, et al 238), but there are no known causes for it. Kinoy, Mueller, and Atchley state that eating disorders stem from an obsession with food and shape (6). Anorexia nervosa can actually develop in a number of ways. The everyday obstacles of life can trigger this behavior. Anorexics develop this eating behavior as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain, trauma, low-self esteem and depression. Again, the smallest problem can cause this behavior.
