Anorexia+Nervosa



__**Anorexia nervosa**__ is an //eating disorde//r that involves an inability to stay at the minimum body weight considered healthy for the person's age and height. People with this disorder may have an intense fear of weight gain, even when they are underweight. They may use extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or other methods to lose weight. The exact causes of this disorder are unknown. Many factors are involved such as genetics, hormones, and even social attitudes toward body image.

Risk Factors Include:

 * 1) ===== Perfectionism =====
 * 2) ===== An increased concern of body image =====
 * 3) ===== Family with eating disorder =====
 * 4) ===== Parents concerend about weight loss =====
 * 5) ===== Negative self image =====
 * 6) ===== Undergoing a stressful life change =====

Symptoms:

 * 1) ===== An intense fear of gaining weight =====
 * 2) ===== Cutting food into small pieces rather than eating =====
 * 3) ===== Excessive exercise =====
 * 4) ===== Refusing to eat around others =====
 * 5) ===== Depression =====
 * 6) ===== Blotchy yellow or dry skin =====
 * 7) ===== Dry mouth =====

Treatment:

 * 1) ===== Have the person recognize the problem =====
 * 2) ===== Set goals to gain weight =====
 * 3) ===== Set schedules for eating =====
 * 4) ===== A short hospital stay =====
 * 5) ===== Therapy =====

In some cases, prevention of this disorder may not be possible. People with anorexia will rarely diagnose themselves with an eating disorder. Loved ones and family members need to seek out help if they see any symptoms in a person. Early medical help can reduce the severity of an eating disorder. BOD