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Elizabeth Meisel St.Agnesmedia type="custom" key="10562498"

Language Arts Elizabeth Meisel Editorial October 31, 2011 __Anorexia Among Teens__

Anorexia is a common eating disorder in which teens think they are too fat, have a low self-esteem, or do not feel like others accept them. One or two out of 100 have an eating disorder. These teenagers need to realize being anorexic is NOT the right way to lose weight. It may seem like anorexia is the easiest way out, but it is not. That having the “ideal” image is not always the best way to look. Anorexia is mostly common among teen girls but that does not mean boys cannot have it. These teenagers often think that they are too “fat” even when they skinny or a normal weight. They are pressured to lose weight in an unhealthy way. Most start around the age 13-17. Just because it is an emotional age with physical changes, academic pressures, and more peer pressure, people start turning anorexic. It is a bad habit but the urge to eat less or over-exercise starts to get “addictive” and people can not stop. Teens do not realize what harm they are really causing themselves. People might think it is normal to lose weight by being anorexic, but it is not. It is very harmful to yourself, your friends, and your family. If someone really is an unhealthy weight and should lose weight they can in healthy ways. People can get on safe diet programs, or exercise moderately. It may sound cliché but these anorexic teens are perfect just the way they are. Although a lot of kids are gaining weight and childhood obesity is very high, anorexia is growing too. People compare themselves to famous people who are very fit, and it makes them feel fat. In reality they are nowhere near fat. People are always being compared because we live in a world full of comparisons. They feel that being anorexic is the only way they will fit in. Some teens feel like their friends will only accept them if they lose weight. However being skinny is NOT the only way to fit in or be successful. Anorexia is NOT the answer for losing weight. Everyone can lose weight in healthy happy ways without causing harm to them. People need to stop anorexia because it is killing too many people. At least 1,000 people that are diagnosed with anorexia die each year. Having a little chub on your body can be charming. If you lose weight in healthy ways you are bound to be happier down the road.