The thin & thick of it
The causes of anorexia nervosa are not clear, but experts believe biological and environmental factors, such as conflict between family members, and the current culture of being slim and popularity of dieting contribute to the illness.
Most anorexia nervosa patients are children and young adults ranging in age from 13 to 25. They also tend to have personality traits, such as a tendency toward tidiness, a strong sense of responsibility, of being sensitive and shy, and an often-warped self-image. About 90 to 95 percent of the patients are female.
Low body weight, inappropriate eating habits and obsessions with having a skinny figure are symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Patients are fearful of even the slightest weight gain, and usually engage in frequent and strenuous exercise.
