Although anorexia nervosa is more commonly seen among teens, it can affect individuals of any age, and can affect males as well as females. Anorexia nervosa is more common among teens from families that put high value on achievement and appearance with low tolerance for conflict. The individual tries to please everyone and is often described as a model child, yet the desire for control of one's own life remains strong and can be expressed through control of weight and food intake. The individual with anorexia nervosa is often slow to admit that there is a problem. Their initial weight loss is reinforced by compliments from family and friends, and they feel empowered by their success.
Athletes often develop eating disorders.
Coaches can sometimes put undue pressure on athletes by telling them to lose weight, but then not providing the education and resources in order to promote safe weight loss. What may start out as periods of fasting to lose weight, may develop into anorexia nervosa. The physical consequences of anorexia nervosa can be serious and even life-threatening. Lack of adequate nutrient intake puts the body at risk for many problems, but often the symptoms of nutrient deficiency are subtle such as dry skin, loss of hair, and lack of energy. The excessive loss of body fat makes it hard for the person to regulate body temperature and adapt to heat and cold.