Hoefling insists that anorexia must be recognized as a disease that occurs over the life span of an individual. What concerns him most is that there is a high recidivism rate for anorexics, particularly if the anorexic begins treatment after leaving home. For the food-loving segment of society, anorexia is unimaginable. The softness and fullness of flesh is reassuring. Breaking bread together is a fundamental ritual.
Food is love.
On the other hand, this tableau of feast and love is unimaginable to the anorexic. Though she is present among family and friends and appears to be involved, often too much involved, she never feels reciprocal affection. The self becomes erased. It's a cruel irony that these women are completely involved in the lives of others, and yet they feel totally isolated. The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802-3303.