Anorexia is the serious loss of body weight and muscle mass. This is caused by several factors and these factors are explained further on in this summary. Anorexics have a distorted view of their own body appearance and of their weight. They fear gaining weight and feel that they are getting fat even when they clearly are not. They are usually at least 15-18% below their normal body weight for their height. they have restricted their eating to patterns of 1000 calories or less. Often as little as 300-500 calories a day. Anorexics often are fatigued, have muscle aches and often experience headaches. People who suffer from anorexia need intense psychological therapy to help better understand the issues that are causing their preoccupation with weight loss and malnutrition.
Culture
In today's modern culture the extra thin woman is the sign of beauty. This wasn't always the case. In the 1800's, as is apparent from paintings and photographs back then, weight and big curves were considered a thing of beauty in a woman. A growing factor putting pressure on women to lose weight is our modern society. This triggers an obsession with a woman to fit in by having a stick thin figure. Models and movie stars on television all have body's of skin and bone, and they all get the handsome man. A size zero body for a woman is the "in thing" to have. We
need to take a good look at what we do as a society, especially in the movie and recording industry. They are the trend setters.
Genetics
A persons family history also plays a role in anorexia. If there is a history of anorexia or OCD in a persons family tree then that will make someone more susceptible to anorexia also. If anorexia is in your family tree then you need to be more careful not to trigger the disorder in your offspring. Educate them young if they are more at risk. Get counseling to those who are more susceptible and have a genetic link to anorexia.
Self Esteem
Low self- esteem is a common personality trait in those diagnosed with Anorexia. Perfectionism and social isolation often manifest themselves in anorexics. Although the social isolation often emerges after the anorexia begins. These people were often good in school and no problem to others. By focusing their attention on weight loss and their food, the person will ignore the problems that they often do not want to face. This is not true in all diagnosis of Anorexia but it is evident in a few of the diagnosed forms.
Stress, Rape, Physical or Sexual abuse
Traumatic events can often be found to be another cause that triggers anorexia.
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