Eating disorders can change a person's life and affect the people around he or she. People engaged in eating disorders are usually referred to as victims, because of the horrible and dangerous effects of these diseases. Eating disorders are serious, sometimes life threatening illnesses. There are three different types of common eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating. There are also two not as common disorders recognized by most people today; they are pica, anorexia and bulimia in combination. One must first know how to recognize them in order to help one's self or others battle. Eating disorders are very common and people should know what they are, what causes them, how to detect them, and most importantly how to help. Anorexia nervosa is one type of eating disorder in which a person starves them self in order to gain and maintain their idea of "perfection." This condition happens when a person is constantly dieting to an extreme because of a mental image they have of their body that is incorrect. It usually strikes women around the time when they are beginning puberty and has also been known to happen in the late teens and early twenties. This state of starvation leads to a loss of 150elow normal body weight. Of the 7 million women between the ages 15 and 35 who have anorexia, 65 percent will die due to the complications of the disorder (Wellness Web 2).
Anorexia often occurs as a result of emotional problems. Control over eating may be the only area where they feel they have control. Part of recovery often involves helping the anorexic gain independence (Greenberg 114). Anorexia may not be noticed in its early stages because it usually starts as an innocent diet. It is important to notice this disease in either yourself a family member or a friend before it is full blown (Wellness Web 2). Some signs of an anorexic are; the person will appear to never have an appetite, exercising excessively,...