Anorexia
When food becomes more than just a nutritional necessity to survive, eating disorders emerge. Obesity is the most common eating disorder in North America. "Over 60% of North America adults are overweight, and 40% of them are obese" (Wardlaw 341). Obesity is described as a body mass index over 24.9 or over 25% body fat in men and over 35% body fat in women (350). Some other less common eating disorders may arise with food abuse. Female athlete triad occurs in appearance-based and endurance sports. It is characterized by disordered eating, lack of menstrual periods, and osteoporosis. A study of college age female athletes found that 15% of swimmers, 62% of gymnasts, and 32% of all varsity athletes exhibited disordered eating patterns. Binge-eating disorder occurs in almost 2% of the North American population ( 433). Binge-eaters binge on their favorite sweets and fatty food two or more times per week; however, unlike anorexics and bulimics binge eaters do not purge......
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