Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder with an underlying psychological component, marked by several symptoms including compulsive behaviors with food, a preoccupation with weight and body image, extreme dieting and malnutrition. It is frequently comorbid with body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety and depression. In most cases, anorexic individuals exercise strict or extreme control over their food intake in an effort to achieve a desired body image. The condition primarily affects girls and women in their teenage and young adult years, though teenage boys and young men may also develop the disorder. In extreme cases, life-threatening complications arising from malnutrition can occur.
