The term anorexia nervosa is actually a misnomer.
Affected adolescents ignore and even lose their hunger sensations.
The motivation to be thin apparently keeps these adolescents from eating. In all cases females are considered amenorrheic when menses do not occur unless induced by estrogen replacement. In summary, the adolescent with a severe eating disorder suffers from arrested physical and psychological growth and development. The majority of persons with anorexia nervosa are adolescents, although the disease affects young adults and other age groups. These cultural values are strong internal messages for many in the modern world.