Anorexia Nervosa

AN is an intense preoccupation with food and irrational fear of getting fat that leads to extreme undereating.

This may take the form of:

- starvation diets
- purging behaviors
- over-exercise

It is estimated that 1% of adolescent girls develop AN, and 10% of them will die of it. AN is characterized by rapid loss of at least 15% of ideal body weight; weight loss of 25% or more without having a physical illness; amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle); nutritional disorders (anemia, brittle hair and nails, cold sensitivity). Behavioral signs are obsession with thinness; extreme diet and exercise; excessive weighing; varied food-avoidance techniques. Physical effects include: damaged heart, brain, or kidneys; loss of reproductive ability; severe bone loss (osteoporosis).