EATING DISORDERS(ANOREXIA) The purpose for this paper is to inform myself more on eating disorders since its becoming such an important issue in our society. Dieting is currently at epidemic proportions. According to Hobbs and Johnsons(1996) study, by the age of 18, more than fifty percent of girls perceive themselves as being too fat, despite having a normal weight. Anorexia nervosa is estimated to occur in 0.2 to 1.3 percent of the population, with annual incidence of five to ten cases per 100,000 population. Prevalence and incidence rates of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia tend to be higher in certain populations, such as college sororities. In this type of environment, a high priority is placed on thinness, therefor dieting is a common practice among colleagues. Anorexia nervosa is much more common in women than in men, although approximately five to ten percent of patients with anorexia are men. Broccolo-Philbin(1996) notes that dieting can be dangerous. If extreme dieting goes unnoticed and uncorrected, then it could lead to serious health problems. Several anorexic patients end up in the hospital to be treated for their disorder. CAUSES: We are in a society that suggests we must be perfect in everything, says Meehan(1996,p.1), founder and president of the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated disorders. She says we feel that we must somehow live up to these unrealistic standards. In turn, if we meet this ideal, then we feel bad about are looks. This can lead up to a behaviour that harms rather then helps. One girl who suffered from anorexia said, I really didnt feel like I was good at anything. Even though I made straight As, it seemed like I was never in control. Food was the only thing in my life that I could control. Meehan(1996,p.2) explains that this attitude is common among people who suffer from eating disorders. Anorexics realize the power food has over people,she says. A person who starves themsel...
