o control their weight (National Institute of Mental Health, 1994). One diagnostic criterion listed in the DSM-IV for anorexia states that the individual refuses to maintain a normal body weight for their respective height and age. Those suffering from anorexia have an extremely low body weight that is at least 15% of their normal body weight (National Institute of Mental Health, 1994). Another criterion in the DSM-IV is that the individual is convinced that he/she is overweight and is terrified at the idea of gaining weight. People suffering from the disorder are obsessed with food and their weight. Additional, another criterion listed in the DSM-IV for those with anorexia is that persons suffering from the disorder have a distorted idea of their body images or will not admit to having a problem with their own body weight. Some develop unusual eating habits like not wanting to eat in front of others and adhering to strict exercise routines (National Institute of Mental Health, 1994). Individuals may measure food before eating and prepare food for other but refuse to eat any themselves. In a paper titled "Anorexia and Bulimia: Early Prevention and Detection", the authors list several typical characteristics of someone with anorexia nervosa including distorted self-image, hair loss, dry skin, hypertension, cutting food into small bites, habitual calorie counting, rituals around food, social isolation, obsessive behavior, high demands placed on self and irritability (2001). The authors also cite that 40-45% of those suffering from anorexia also suffer from depression (Eguia & Bello, 2001). In addition, the DSM-IV lists that an individual must miss at least three menstrual cycles to meet the classification of anorexia.
             There are two types of anorexia nervosa, restricting type and binge-eating/purging type. The restricting does not engage in binge eating or purge eating behaviors. However, the binge-eating/purging type engages in activi...