Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders in young adults. Statistics show that 1 in 100 women between 10 and 20 years old are anorexic. According to Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc., up to 20% of people with serious anorexia eating disorders die without treatment. Only 60% of people who receive treatment make a full recovery.

Identifying the condition is not difficult if you are close to the person who may have anorexia.

Common symptoms of anorexia eating disorder:
-Intense fear of gaining weight
-Distorted view of body
-Denial of one's low weight
-Obsession with calories and food
-Feeling fat, despite being underweight
-Lying about eating
-Strange food rituals
-Dramatic weight loss
-Compulsive exercise

Anorexia is associated with the need for control. Many people with anorexia are perfectionists and need to have control over something. Food is something they can control, but it takes a great amount of willpower. They find pride in being able to have that much willpower.

Treatment for anorexia must include a psychologist, a medical doctor, and a dietitian. There are three areas of treatment for anorexia: getting the patient back to a normal weight, treating the psychological issues, and reducing thoughts that lead to this behavior.

Many people with anorexia do not want to seek treatment, so interventions may be the only way to get the person help. A psychologist will be able to change the person's thoughts about anorexia. Through cognitive therapy, a person with anorexia can learn how to view their body and food differently.

Hospitalization may be necessary if the person is at a dangerously low weight. The medical doctor would need to assess the patient and give the appropriate treatment to restore the person's weight.

Treatment is most effective when therapy, hospitalization, and nutrition education are combined.

Pro-anorexia websites have spurred the anorexia trend. They are websites where anorexia is encouraged and taught. Fellow anorexics give advice on how to fight the hunger and how to lose more weight. It is frightening how many members are on these websites and how many are willing to help out someone who is "new" to anorexia. It is almost like a cult. These websites are extremely dangerous for young teens who are easily influenced by peers.

Helpful websites:
http://www.nationaleatingdisor ders.org
http://something-fishy.org
http://www.edreferral.com

If you suspect someone is anorexic and you want to get them help, call the National Eating Disorders Association's toll-free hot line at 1-800-931-2237.

Learn more about this author, Amanda Cole.
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