People are often conscious of their body image especially in this era when wellness and a healthy lifestyle is a concern. Fitness centers, spas, dance clubs and diets are popular since men and women alike search for various ways to be physically fit. Having a lean body is an indication of a discipline and good eating habits. Unfortunately, many young women go into extreme by being so conscious of their body. The media projects the body of models as the benchmark for all people which is unreasonable since people have inherited body types. The wrong attitude towards controlling weight can lead to an eating disorder known as anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is classified as an eating disorder that results to unhealthy compulsions such as excessive exercising and dieting. Episodes of self-starvation are undergone by a person with anorexia nervosa. This disorder usually affects young girls and women ages 13-30 years old. Teenagers are usually preoccupied with how they look since peer pressure matters at this age. When too much attention is drawn to losing weight , the person with anorexia avoids eating foods that are considered “fatty”. The person just eats popcorn, lettuce, soup and other food types that do not provide correct nourishment for the body. Anorexia nervosa symptoms can be easily detected since the symptoms are observable habits rigorously practiced by those afflicted with this disorder. First thing that would be observed is that the person thinks that he/she is too fat despite a thin appearance. Because of a twisted perception if one’s body image, the person may even embark on an exercise program that can lead to more weight loss. The person with anorexia entertains people by cooking for them but dislikes eating and often complains of being full after taking a small amount of food. Due to the excessive fat loss, an anorexic often feels “cold” thereby making him/her wear layered clothing most of the time. Fat is necessary to the body as an insulation against cold.Physical symptoms of anorexia are also obvious since the person is unusually thin, has dry skin ( caused by dehydration), brittle hair and discolored nails. These symptoms also indicate malnutrition since the body is being deprived of nutrients.

Anorexia nervosa also causes a person to feel irritable and cranky, sleepless, lethargic and dizzy due to hunger. Anorexic women often miss out their monthly period and have low-blood pressure. Eventually, symptoms of anorexia become very apparent as the person seeks medical attention due to depression.