ring most often in adolescents and young adult woman. This is accomplished by avoidance of eating by any means possible. The person affected by Anorexia has an absolutely terrifying fear of becoming obese. In short, food becomes the enemy; one researcher described Anorexia as weight phobia. (noah.cuny.edu/wellconn/eatdisorders.html)Some experts believe that a fear of growing up is the root of the problem. Other experts see the disorder as a subconscious rebellion against parents whove set standards that are too high. All experts agree that food is not the central problem. There is evidence that people with anorexia secrete abnormal amounts of various hormones. But, many researchers believe these imbalances are the results of emotional stress and severe dieting, not the case of them. In our culture, thin is in and dieting is normal behavior. The pressure to be the best may also be a factor in the disorders development. (PennSAHIC)People who intentionally starve themselves suffer from an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa. The disorder, which usually begins in young people around the time of puberty, involves extreme weight lossat least 15 percent below the individuals normal body weight. Many people with the disorder look emaciated but are convinced they are overweight. Sometimes they must be hospitalized to prevent starvation. An example of this will be illustrated in the following story:Deborah developed anorexia nervosa when she is 16. A rather shy, studious teenager, she tried hard to please everyone. She had an attractive appearance, but was slightly overweight. Like many teenager girls, she was interested in boys but concerned that she wasnt pretty enough to get their attention. When her father jokingly remarked that she would never get a date if she didnt take off same weight, she took him seriously and began to diet relentlessly- never believing she was thin even when she became extremely underweight. Soon ...
