Anorexia affects 1-2% of women with a much lower incidence of men. It typically develops in the adolescent years when girls are most vulnerable to stringent fashion dictates.

Calorie intake is dramatically reduced while obsessive exercise increases energy expenditure. 

There is an intense fear of weight gain coupled with a distorted body image. No matter how much weight is lost the victim still sees themselves as fat. This is one of the reasons why the condition is so hard to treat. The victim almost always thinks they do not have a problem. They may even view their distorted eating habits as a solution.

Like alcoholism the illness is almost impossible to treat without acknowledgement by the sufferer that a problem exists. This is why anorexics most often seek treatment only when their illness is fairly advanced.

The causes of Anorexia Nervosa are still unknown but common personality traits amongst sufferers have been noted: they are typically good students and athletes who are high achievers and perfectionists. Less obvious is low self esteem and social isolation.

Some experts theorize that the condition stems from a need to control in a world experienced as haphazard and out of control. They also hypothesize that children from families in conflict use the disorder to deflect attention away from contentious family issues.

The National Institute of Health lists the following symptoms:

1. Weight loss of 15% or greater below the expected weight.
2. Use of laxatives, enemas and diuretics
3. Self imposed food intake restrictions
4. Cessation of normal menstrual cycle
5. Muscle atrophy
6. Low blood pressure
7. Dental cavities
8. Blotchy yellow skin
9. Depression
10. Denial