Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder where the main characteristic is the restriction of food and the refusal to maintain a minimal normal body weight Anorexics may start by limiting or excluding foods that they perceive as having high fat or caloric content. Once an individual is convinced that anorexia is a good choice for them, they will most likely end up on very restricting diets, only eating certain foods in a specified portion. (Anorexia Nervosa)
Weight is a major concern in today's world. Fad diets can be found anywhere and everywhere. Because of these two issues, it is often difficult to detect someone who shows signs of possible eating disorders. It can also be difficult to detect an eating disorder because when do typical habits cross the line to being dangerous. Some typical behaviors have been characterized as ones that a friend/parent should be aware of. These kinds of behaviors are distinctive of a person who suffers from anorexia nervosa. Typical manners include: being cautious of food labels, obsessive appearance issues, excessive exercising, depressing thoughts, self-harm and/or injury, and/or unusual social behaviors. One can cautious of food labels to obtain a healthy diet, however, someone who becomes compulsive with food labels, fat content, carbohydrates, etc can be showing early signs of possible eating disorders. Favorite foods are rarely eaten and one does not enjoy food anymore at all. Oftentimes, the person can become vegetarian to mask the fact that they are no longer eating meats, fats, or necessary foods of a healthy diet. Appearance issues also become problematic when the image is no longer acceptable; even if the person is healthy. The weight loss is never enough and will not satisfy the person. Lots of time is spent in front of a mirror, inspecting body image, never liking what he/she sees. Excessive and compulsive exercise becomes an issue especially when the person is not receiving the proper nutrients from a healthy diet.