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Anorexia / Starvation Tendency
	Incidence; Causes & Development More than 90% of people with anorexia are females, though a growing number of males now have the disorder. It usually begins between the ages of 13 and 18. Common causes are: An overwhelming sense of being out of control, and attempting to take control of one's life by regulating food intake Unrealistic fear of developing an adult body Severe trauma or emotional shock during puberty or pre-puberty Anorexia is known to run in families Abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain Frequent dieters stand an 8-times greater chance of anorexia Society's unrealistic emphasis on thinness places certain individuals such as cheerleaders, dancers, runners, models, jockeys, wrestlers, and actresses and actors at higher risk for anorexia. Signs & Symptoms Common symptoms include extreme weight loss due to self-imposed starvation; an obsession with food, such as collecting recipes; hoarding food; an unwillingness to eat in public; an irrational fear of gaining weight. You may receive cognitive-behavioral, group, relaxation, or psychodynamic therapy.
Anorexia / Starvation Tendency is linked to:
	Amenorrhea Chronic Renal Insufficiency Female Infertility Kidney Disease Osteoporosis - Osteopenia Dry skin Edema (Water Retention) Constipation