Anorexia nervosa is classified as an eating disorder closely tied to psychological illness. In fact, anorexia affects no less than 70 million people worldwide thereby contributing to protein-energy malnutrition prevalence according to the World Health Organization. In the U. S. alone, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that this eating disorder has a prevalence of 5.6 % per decade topping all other illnesses among women. This disorder begins with a persons low self-esteem and unhealthy image of one’s body.
Anorexia has physical symptoms that can be easily spotted such as pale skin color, brittle or falling hair, discolored nails, very thin figure, and possibly swollen arms or legs. People afflicted with anorexia wear layers of clothing to hide their frail figure and to prevent feeling cold. Excessive loss of weight reduces amount of fat in the body which serves as insulation against cold weather. Moreover, anorexic people are always feeling tired due to lack of sleep and proper nourishment. Anorexic people often go through periods of starvation which can lead to serious complications. The body loses potassium and sodium during fasting which causes it to become weak. Moreover, low levels of potassium can bring about irregular heartbeats and even cardiac arrest.