People who intentionally starve themselves suffer from an eating disorder, called anorexia nervosa. This disorder, which usually begins with young people around the time of puberty, involved extreme weight loss at least 15 percent below the persons normal body weight. many people with this disorder look emaciated but are convinced they are overweight. sometimes they must be hospitilized to prevent starvation
food and weight become obsessions. for some the compulsiveness shows up in strange eating rituals or the refusal to eat in front of others. it is not uncommon for people with Anorexia to collect recipes and prepare gourmet feasts for family and friends, but not partake in it themselves. they may adhere to strict exercise routines to keep off weight. loss of monthly menstrual periods is typical in women with this disorder. men with Anorexia often become impotent
also
a persons body weight needs to be 85 percent or less than that which is considered typical for someone of similar build age and height
an intense or overwhelming feeling of gaining weight or getting fat
three consecutive menstrual cycles must be missed.
restricting type - the person restricts their food intake on their own and does not engage in binge eating or purge behavior
binge eating/purge type the person self-induces vomiting or misuses laxatives, diuretics or enemas
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