- Most common psychiatric diagnosis in young adolescent women
      - Approximately 8 million American women suffer from anorexia
      - 86% developed the disease before they were 20yrs old
      - 20% of those struggling from anorexia will die
      - One of the highest death rates of any mental health disorder
      - Anorexia has risen 36% every 5 years since the 1950’s

What is Anorexia?
    The term anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but that is not true.  People who suffer from anorexia are usually hungry but choose to control their appetite.  Anorexia ia a life threatening disease defined by a refusal to maintain a body weight within 15% of a minimal normal weight.  It is characterized by self starvation, food preoccupation, compulsive exercising and often absence of menstrual cycles.  the process of eating becomes an obsession.  They develop unusual eating habits such as picking apart and eating small quantities, weighing the food or even skipping meals all together.  Anorexia is not something people grow out of; if left untreated, it can be fatal.

Why do youth need to be educated on anorexia?
    American teenagers need to be educated in order to spot dangerous warning signs regarding anorexia. During their teen years, girls rely heavily on their friends.  By giving students the ability to recognize an eating disorder they would be more likely to discover such an illness, maybe even before the suffers parents.  At the same time students need to realize they cannot take on the illness alone and they need to know their limitations and when to ask for help.  Ultimately the suffer needs to make the decision, whether or not to get help on their own.  The help they receive is also only as effective as the patient allows.  The more that you know, the more prepared you will be to help the person.  Being informed about signs, symptoms and causes of anorexia will give you a better understanding of what to look for and expect.
 

How to make people aware?
    In many schools there are programs discussing anorexia and other disorders.  Although some education does exist, not all schools have such programs.  The growing problem of anorexia isn't getting the coverage it needs and deserves.  Writing letters to school districts and senators in support of legislation would be extremely beneficial.  The goal is to have anorexia covered as part of the health curriculum in all middle and high schools across the nation.  Although each community can help to create this awareness within their schools, the ultimate foal is to have legislation passed to make it mandatory.  Another long term goal is to help fund research because the illness itself is not fully understood.  Studies take years to find conclusive results, the main issue now is to educate and make others aware in aiding those who are suffering now.
 

More Information on Anorexia:
American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Inc.
 National Organization of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
 The Nation's Voice on Mental Illness

Anorexia education legislation moving through Congress:
Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act of 2001