Children with Anorexia Nerviosa refuse to gain--or even maintain healthy weight. ( at least 15% below "normal" body weight
for their build and height)
Their view of their bodies is distorted and they will go to extremes to try to bring it more into line with what they
perceive as normal. They may refuse to eat, eat and them purge ( throw up) the meal, or eat minute portions, often subsisting
on water and greens alone. Also, they frequently become obsessed with exercise...further stressing their already fragile health.
Anorexia is treated with counseling and sometimes requires institutionalization to monitor eating habits.