The emphasis on physical attractiveness and thinness at a time when the physiological changes at puberty are increasing the proportion of girls' body fat and changing their body shape toward larger thighs, often creates anxiety. A disorder characterized by an obsession with dieting and thinness and an intense fear of fat, eventually leading to dangerously excessive weight loss. Many anorexics, despite a perilously thin body, see themselves as overweight. Statistics show that one percent of American teenagers will develop Anorexia Nervosa and up to 10 percent of these young women may die from the disease. Bulimics may not always appear thin like their anorexic counterparts.
Statistics suggest up to five percent of American college women suffer from Bulimia.
Jean Bradley Rubel, Th. New research suggests that abnormal levels of brain chemicals predispose some people to anxiety, perfectionism, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Phsychological Factors - People with eating disorders tend to be perfectionists. They may have unrealistic expectations of themselves and others. In spite of their many achievements, they feel inadequate, defective, and worthless.