type and the Binge eating/purging (self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.) type. The Restrictive type "has not regularly engaged in binge eating or purging behavior." The Binge eating/purging type "the person has regularly engaged in binge eating or purging behavior. Although the second type is close to Bulimia, it is a much more rare occurrence that the Anorexic Binge eating/purging type will be involved in that practice. Most people in this world do not even know what anorexia is, and it is generally accepted that those who have it starve themselves in order to achieve a perfect body. It is also stereotyped that those who are anorexic are selfish, greedy, vain, and obsessed with looking good. All those listed and well-known stereotypical views of an anorexic are such a far cry from the truth. It is quite discouraging to think that many common people acknowledge these as facts. Anorexia is a very deep, private and emotional coping mechanism, which totally engulfs its victim into a world that is almost impossible to enter. Usually an anorexic will lose 15% of their former body weight in a very short period of time, and at some peaks can be as low as 60% of the expected weight for their age and height. Anorexia often mischievously entraps some people you would least suspect. An anorexic friend of mine is about 5' 5" tall, and weights about 70 pounds, she is not at all the image that most people have of an anorexic. She is stunningly beautiful, has a wit and intelligence that is difficult to match let alone surpass. She is also very energetic, playful, helpful and one of the best friends a person could possibly hope to have. She is a joy to be around. When you get to know her, when you really get to know who she is, she permits you to get a glimpse of what she really feels like, what she has to live with everyday of her life. She is sixteen, and has been anorexic for the past 5 years of her l...
