An average female model weighs 23% less than the recommended weight for a woman. Maintaining a weight 20% below your expected body weight fits the criteria for the emotional eating disorder known as anorexia (Pirke & Ploog, 1984). According to medical weight standards, most models fit into the category of being anorexic (Garfinkle & Garner, 1990). Physicians now believe that anorexia has existed for at least 300 years (Pirke & Ploog, 1984). It was however only about one hundred years ago that Professor Ernest Lasegue of the University of Paris finally identified anorexia as an illness (Pirke & Ploog, 1984). The term "anorexia nervosa" literally means nervous lose of appetite.

Most researchers and physicians agree that the number of

These groups are paving the way for research and new and better treatments. These groups help in providing family counseling and psychotherapy. Treatment for anorexia nervosa usually consists of nutritional therapy, individual psychotherapy, and family counseling. A team made up of pediatricians, psychiatrists, social workers administers treatment. Some physicians hospitalize anorexia patients until they are nutritionally stable, while others prefer to work with patients in a more safe and secure family setting. The most urgent concern of the physician is getting the patient to eat and gain weight, this is accomplished by gradually adding calories to the patient’s daily intake (Cove, Judy). When hospitalized, privileges are sometimes granted as a reward in return for gaining weight.

Psychologically, the anorexic suffers with isolation from others, mood swings, insomnia, hyperactivity, low self esteem, fatigue, depression, self-hatred, electrolyte imbalance and loss of sexual desire. 30% of anorexics will either die from complications due to the eating disorder or commit suicide as a result of the emotional turmoil caused by anorexia in their lives (Pirke & Ploog, 1984). Many support groups and associations are helping the fight against anorexia and other eating disorders. The Anorexia Bulimia Nervosa Association (ABNA) and the National

Anorexia Nervosa: A multi-dimensional perspective. New York: Guilford Press. (1990).

Finally, I have a few words to say. Anorexia Nervosa is a debilitating and cruel disease that targets hundreds of thousands worldwide and kills thousands each year. If you know of someone

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