**1. Introduction**

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder condition portrayed by an abnormal fear of gaining weight this drives people to starve themselves and eventually become dangerously thin [1]. It is more prominent in females but can also be found in males, a life change or traumatic event may be associated with the development of the illness and a desire to excel in sports is a contributing factor [2].

Dieting behavior in anorexia nervosa is associated mostly by an intense fear becoming obese or gaining excess weight. Individuals with anorexia will say they want and are willing to gain weight; their behavior (action) is not in line with their intention. For instance, they consume minute amounts of low-energy giving foods and engaged in physical exercise beyond the usual. Also, persons with anorexia

nervosa intermittently engage in binge eating and purge by vomiting or misuse of laxative. Anorexia nervosa is of two types:


The risk of evolving anorexia nervosa is greater in models, dancers, and athletes in sports where appearance and weight are important, especially among wrestlers, boxers, gymnast, and figure skaters.

People with anorexia tend to be very successful, they perform well in sports, school, work and other activities. They tend to be perfectionists with compulsive, anxious, and depressive symptoms. Most times it begins around the time of puberty, but can also develop at any time.

Over time, some of the following symptoms may develop related to starvation or purging behaviors:


Anorexia nervosa is characterized by the individuals' refusal to maintain adequate weight for their height, refusal to feed associated with distortion of the bodily image, and denial of their pathological condition [4].

People with anorexia find it difficult to recognize that they have a mental illness or psychiatric disorder. This is because it's hard for them to get out of the habits they have developed as a result of anorexia, to recover usually can take some time. Although people with anorexia respond to treatment, the earlier the treatment begins, the better the chances of a complete recovery. Treatment strategy usually involves talking therapies, which include cognitive behavioral therapy, the aim is to change the person's thoughts, feelings, and behavior around food. Nutritional support is essential and is offered to help gain weight properly.
