Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to simply as anorexia, is one type of eating disorder. More importantly, it is also a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond out-of-control dieting. A person with anorexia often initially begins dieting to lose weight. Over time, the weight loss becomes a sign of mastery and control. The drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. The individual continues the endless cycle of restrictive eating, often accompanied by other behaviors such as excessive excersing or the overuse of diet pills, diuretics, laxatives, and/or enemas in order to reduce body weight, often to a point close to starvation in order to feel a sense of control over his or her body. This cycle becomes an obsession and, in this way, is similar to any type of addiction.

For people with anorexia, it really is true that one can never be too thin. Despite being dangerously underweight, anorexics see a fat person when they look in the mirror. What they don’t see is the tremendous physical and emotional damage that self-starvation inflicts, so they continue to diet, fast, purge, and over-exercise.

While people with anorexia often deny having a problem, the truth is that anorexia is a serious and potentially deadly eating disorder. Fortunately, recovery is possible. With proper treatment and support, you or someone you care about can break anorexia’s self-destructive pattern and regain your health and happiness.

“Anorexia Almost Killed Me”
Pint size mogul Mary-Kate Olsen has stayed mum about her battle with anorexia since she was diagnosed just after her 18th birthday, but she's speaking out now and says the illness nearly killed her.

She looks even skinnier than Nicole!
"Eyes have been so glued to skeletal Nicole Richie that no one's noticed until now that Mary-Kate Olsen has dropped to 80 lbs! Now friends are worried she may be headed back to rehab!"
Star, January 8, 2007

Is it a Diet or Anorexia?
Healthy Dieting	Anorexia
Weight loss is viewed as a way to improve health and appearance.	Weight loss is viewed as a way to achieve happiness.
Self-esteem is based on more than just weight and body image.	Self-esteem is based entirely on how much you weigh and how thin you are.
Is an attempt to control weight	Is an attempt to control your life and emotions
The goal is to lose weight in a healthy way.	Becoming thin is all that matters; health is not a concern.