Anorexia nervosa is a psycho logic illness that is characterized by marked weight loss, an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (Johnson 1996). It primarily affects adolescent girls and occurs in approximately 0.2 to 1.3 percent of the general population (Johnson 1996). There are numerous complications of anorexia nervosa, involving nearly every organ system, however most complications may be reversed when a healthy nutritional state is restored (Johnson 1996). Treatment involves nutritional and psychological rehabilitation, and may be administered on an inpatient or outpatient basis (Johnson 1996). .

             By the age of eighteen, more than 50 percent of females perceive themselves as too fat, despite having a normal weight, therefore it is not surprising that the prevalence and incidence rates of anorexia nervosa (and bulimia) tend to be higher in certain populations, such as college sororities (Johnson 1996). In this type of environment, there is a high priority placed on thinness and dieting is a common practice (Johnson 1996). This condition generally begins in adolescence to early adulthood, with onset at a mean of 17 years of age, however it has been reported in grade-school children and middle-aged persons (Johnson 1996). Anorexia nervosa seldom occurs in developing countries, and is most common in industrialized societies, such as Great Britain, Sweden, Canada, and the United States, where food is easily obtained and a high priority is placed on slenderness (Johnson 1996). Patients with anorexia maintain a body weight less than 85 percent of normal either through weight loss or by refusal to make expected weight gains during times of normal growth (Johnson 1996). .

             Criteria for anorexia nervosa as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV include:.

             A.Refusal to maintain body weight at or above .

             a minimally normal weight for age and height .