Take the case of 17 year old Kerry, whose boyfriend casually mentioned to her that he is upset over her being overweight and that all his friends make fun of her.

Kerry, who in reality was only chubby, was pretty hurt and started losing her self-esteem. She soon went into guilt pangs for being over-weight and went on a crash diet, skipping breakfast, having only a fruit or two for lunch and slice of bread for dinner. She was petrified of gaining weight and losing her boy friend. Slowly and gradually she became a victim of a disorder called anorexia nervosa.

The ideal image of a woman's body has changed radically in the past years. Like Kerry, most teenage girls struggle to feel good about their bodies. They tend to emulate models on glamorous magazine covers and hoardings without realizing the ill effects of it on their health.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder centered of an obsessive fear of weight gain. Approximately 95 per cent of those affected by anorexia nervosa are female, but males can develop the disorder as well.

Causes:
. Psychological factors such as fear of sexuality at this age. Past negative experiences, perceived loss of control in some aspect of life can lead to anorexia.
. Families that are over-protective or focus on over-achievement can produce an family member.
. Constantly criticizing one's own body and appearance combined with low self-esteem.
. Societal pressures to look and behave in certain manner at an adolescent.
. Certain personality traits like perfectionism, approval -seeking behavior, and obsessiveness are associated with this disorder.
There is a possibility of genetic pre-disposition that usually becomes apparent at the time of puberty.

Symptoms:
. Excessive dieting, exercising usually beyond a reasonable control
. Significant weight loss.
. Self-perception

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