B)+Anorexia+Nervosa


 * Anorexia Nervosa[[image:anorexia41.jpg width="176" height="219" align="right"]] **

Anorexia Nervosa is considered to be the most dangerous of the eating disorders. The definition of anorexia nervosa includes an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though the individuals are already underweight (Levine & Smolak, 2006). Also, the individuals afflicted experience disturbances in perception of their own body weight and shape. As can be seen by the definition anorexia nervosa is characterized by fear and inaccurate perceptions of the individual’s body. The thinness ideal and social pressure to uphold this ideal can lead to increased body dissatisfaction (Stice, Maxfield & Wells, 2003). Lending additional credence to this thinness ideal leading to the occurrence of eating disorders is through cross-cultural studies. In a study comparing Ugandans to British people, they found that Ugandans favour heavier set bodies, and that this favouritism could be a protective factor against eating disorders (Furnham & Baguma, 1994). It is evidenced by these studies that cultural ideals can lead to added pressure and thus increased prevalence of anorexia nervosa. Now that weight perception and body image has been directly implicated in the occurrence of anorexia nervosa, the impacts it has on the sufferers quality of life needs to be discussed. Anorexia nervosa has a marked impact on an individual’s quality of life. Not only does it include serious health related quality of life detriments it also affects the social and life enjoyment spheres. Health outcomes associated with anorexia are reduced immune system functioning, tooth decay, poor circulation and in extreme cases nerve deterioration (Levine & Smolak). Additionally, afflicted individuals usually exhibit risky health behaviours like substance abuse, self harm and suicide attempts. From an emotional and social standpoint anorexics’ have low self-esteem, clinical depression or low affect, mood swings, withdraw or have deteriorated relationships with friends and family and they deny basic needs such as food or sleep (Sansone & Levitt, 2006). Anorexia nervosa is defined by the inaccuracies an individual has of their body image and is cause for concern because it is a serious impediment to their health and quality of life. 