The Anorexia

      Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by immoderate food restriction and irrational fear of gaining weight, as well as a distorted body self-perception. It typically involves excessive weight loss and is usually found more in females than in males.[1] Due to the fear of gaining weight, people with this disorder restrict the amount of food they consume. This restriction of food intake causes metabolic and hormonal disorders.[2] Outside of medical literature, the terms anorexia nervosa and anorexia are often used interchangeably; however, anorexia is simply a medical term for lack of appetite, and people with anorexia nervosa do not in fact, lose their appetites.[3] Anorexia nervosa has many complicated implications and may be thought of as a lifelong illness that may never be truly cured,[citation needed] but only managed over time. Patients suffering from Anorexia nervosa may experience dizziness, headaches, drowsiness and a lack of energy.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by low body weight, inappropriate eating habits, obsession with having a thin figure, and the fear of gaining weight. It is often coupled with a distorted self image[4][5] which may be maintained by various cognitive biases[6] that alter how the affected individual evaluates and thinks about her or his body, food and eating.[7] Those suffering from anorexia often view themselves as "too fat" even if they are already underweight.[8] They may practice repetitive weighing, measuring, and mirror gazing, alongside other obsessive actions to make sure they are still thin, a common practice known as "body checking".[9]
Anorexia nervosa most often has its onset in adolescence and is more prevalent among adolescent females than adolescent males.[10] However, more recent studies show the onset age has decreased from an average of 13 to 17 years of age to 9 to 12.[11] While it can affect men and women of any age, race, and socioeconomic and cultural background,[12] anorexia nervosa occurs in ten times more females than males.

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