People with Anorexia often refuse to eat even though they are underweight. This is because they have an extreme fear of gaining weight. In addition to drastic dieting, which is most associated with anorexia, people with this disorder may cause themselves to vomit and use laxatives and diuretics to lose weight. Anorexia is beleived to be caused by psychological, biological and societal factors. Our society may contribute to the development of this disorder by its emphasis on thinness.
Women commonly feel a pressured to be thin, and dieting has come to be viewed as a normal behavior.
BUT soon food and the fear of gaining weight become the center of the person's focus. The person takes exercise to an extreme. Treatment usually combines medical and psychological approaches. Regular visits with a physican are important to monitor the person's physical condition. Meeting with a nutritionist or dietitian is often recommended.