Eating Disorders are not about weight, food, or obsession of appearance those are just symptoms. Eating Disorders have many causes:

*Fear of independence or growing up,

* feelings of, or real lack of control over one's life,

* the need to relieve anxiety and stress in one's life,

* major life changes or crises (i.e. puberty, death of a significant other, location changes, etc.)

I discovered from a study run by ANAD that as of 1996 that 86% of all reported victims had reached their illness before the age of 20. Experts now estimate that 1 of every 100 women between the ages of 12 and 25 suffers from anorexia. As well the study showed that men develop eating disorders; although, the frequency of such cases is less common, with only 10% of all anorexic being men. Statistics used in the book, The Thin Disguise, written by Pam Vredevelt, Dr. Deborah Newman, Dr. Harry Beverly and Dr. Frank Minirth, showed that 1% to 3% of females will have anorexia at one point in their lives. As well the book stated that there is also an extremely high tendency of Eating Disorders among athletes and models.

14) Feeling cold, even in warm weather, due to electrolyte imbalance, and or lack of body fat

Anorexia Nervosa is a very serious problem in today’s society, and we as a society need to recognize this problem and realize the effects it has on our society. I personally feel we cannot stop this sickness but by being aware of the symptoms and causes we can help get a victim help before they cause permanent damage to themselves. I have experienced a case of a eating disorder with a close family friend of mine and it was just as difficult for me as it must have been for my friend, because it is really up to them to try and fight this disease and all we can do is be there to support and help them in anyway we can.

13) Distorted body image of self and others

3) A relentless pursuit of losing weight that typically leads to 20% to 25% loss of normal body weight

Some topics in this essay:
Esteem Depression, Eating Disorders, Compulsive Behavior, Anorexia Nervosa, Frank Minirth, eating disorders, weight loss, anorexia nervosa, Thin Disguise, one's life *, normal eating habits, normal body, help patient, gain weight, life *, ionized calcium, normal body weight, potassium deficiency, body weight,