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Why are so many teens anorexic? What causes eating disorders in teens? Can anorexic teens be cured easily, or is this an eating problem that they will always have? Teen anorexia is a real problem, so it doesn't hurt to try to find a few answers to these questions.

Anorexia is known to most of us as an eating disorder stemming from a deeply-rooted obsession with body-image, being thin, not gaining weight and anorexia suffers do not typically even want to eat, anymore or at all. They may constantly worry about how many calories they take in or how much fat is in their food. They may take diet pills, laxatives or water pills in order to lose weight. They may exercise too much.

Anorexia nervosa is a problem that is often seen among teen girls. People with anorexia fear and avoid food, and they lose so much weight that they look sickly. However, the person with anorexia does not see themselves as too thin. They have a distorted view of their body, and are fearful they will become fat. The normal curves that women develop after puberty make an anorexic feel fat. They stop eating, or eat very little. They seem proud to control their eating. Anorexia nervosa is more common among girls and women who have very high standards and like to be in control of themselves. Remember, people need to eat to stay alive. People with anorexia are starving themselves.

Some of these symptoms, such as social withdrawal, losing too much weight, or lack of appetite can also indicate other health problems in troubled teens, including depression, bulimia, or other illnesses. Teens with these symptoms need to be diagnosed by a medical professional.

In patients with anorexia, starvation will eventually damage vital organs such as the heart and brain. To protect itself, the body shifts into "slow gear": monthly menstrual periods stop, breathing, pulse, and blood pressure rates drop, and thyroid function slows. Nails and hair become brittle; the skin dries, yellows, and becomes covered with soft hair called lanugo. Excessive thirst and frequent urination may occur. Dehydration contributes to constipation, and reduced body fat leads to lowered body temperature and the inability to withstand cold.

Treatment can save the life of someone with an eating disorder. Friends, relatives, teachers, and physicians will often play an important role in helping the ill person start and stay with a treatment program. Encouragement, caring, and persistence, as well as information about eating disorders and their dangers, are usually needed to convince the ill person to accept help. In a wilderness treatment program, there are inherent advantages and disadvantages.

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