Anorexia.

There's an often-quoted adage that says "one can never be too rich or too thin." I can go along with the "too rich" part, but the fact is one really can be "too thin." Anorexia is an eating disorder that generally affects those in higher socioeconomic brackets and those who are involved in activities or work where thinness is considered an asset — modeling, acting, dancing, gymnastics, etc.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that most often affects women, but about 10 percent of those who suffer from it are men. Men most often affected are those who make their living in industries where weight is an issue — horse racing, modeling, dancing, distance running, and driving race cars.

However, anybody can suffer from anorexia nervosa, and it seems that the number of cases grows each year. A person who is suffering from the eating disorder is thin to the extreme but see themselves as fat — overweight. They don't consume enough food to stay alive, and many of those who suffer from anorexia die from starvation.

The methods anorexics choose to lose weight are: not eating, extreme exercise, self-induced vomiting, and the use of strong laxatives.

Anorexics can't see that they have a problem. They aren't likely to correct the situation. If you have a family member who has a body weight that is 15% below normal, refuses to eat in public, is anxious, is weak, has brittle skin, has shortness of breath, or who is obsessive about calorie consumption, you need to seek help for her (or him).


Overcoming anorexia is difficult, and it is a process that must be handled by a doctor who understands the problem and who knows how to deal with it. Quite frankly, all those who have anorexia cannot be helped — but you always need to try!


Take care.