Who can suffer from anorexia?

Anorexia is more common in middle to upper socioeconomic groups of people and families. Countries with a higher economic status have been found have a greater percentage of population battling anorexia than those poorer countries. One reason for this is because more money is spent on advertising media for example. Social impacts are therefore more a threat with televisions, magazines and the internet to gather such social values and standards on thinness.

Anorexia is researched to be more common in Caucasians that people of other racial backgrounds. This is because natives from for example America (mostly Caucasian) are brought up in that country of high economical value. Such countries now have a greater range of ethnicities, thus anorexia is being seen in a variety of ethnic groups.

Statistics and generalization aside, anyone can suffer from anorexia as it is a mental illness that develops due to the individual’s psychological difficulties. These attributed to some sort of stress, hardship, unhappiness or loss of control in their lives.

Women predominantly suffer from anorexia (95%), but men can suffer also. The eating disorder in most cases is developed in early adolescence however anorexia has been seen in children, adults and sometimes the elderly (40+). Professional dancers, models and some athletes such as gymnasts are prone to the disorder. This is because demands to have a low body weight in order to succeed are high in these occupations/activities.

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