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Anorexia can affect anyone from any walk of life. It literally means “lack of appetite” but this is a misnomer because most sufferers are perpetually hungry due to lack of food.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where those affected will intentionally lose weight and then maintain what is an abnormal and also unhealthy weight level, despite being very hungry. Although the effects are seen outwardly on the body, it is recognised as a mental illness rather than a physical one.

In those affected, anorexia is seen during the teenage years and very rarely beyond 40. It mostly affects females and only approximately 1 in 20 sufferers are male. Anorexia nervosa manifests itself in many ways including unnatural fears of gaining weight, over-exercise, a distorted image of one’s own image and irregular periods (in women).

It is more often seen in those cultures and countries where being thin is highly valued. It is mainly, but not exclusively, a product of westernisation. Cases in the developing world are comparatively rare.

In the short to medium term, anorexia nervosa leads to severe malnutrition. In extreme cases, heart problems which can eventually lead to fatal heart attack can occur. One famous example is the 70s singer, Karen Carpenter.

There may even be genetic factors involved but, ultimately, this disease is a mental one and it is highly recommended that a sufferer obtain psychiatric help before the condition becomes too severe and permanent health problems result.