‘Anorexia’ as it is more popularly known is a potentially life-threatening psychological disorder which goes beyond out-of-control dieting. A person with Anorexia experiences an irrational fear of gaining weight even when dangerously thin. This distorted body image is often accompanied by fear and a perceived need to take control over the changes and development of one’s body.

Anorexia usually follows one of two patterns:
Restricting type – where the person refuses to eat often to a point close to starvation. The person may also over-exercise in order to achieve this sense of control over the body. 
Binge-eating/purging type – the person compensates for any food eaten by abusing of laxatives or vomiting.