Ana's LimelightChristy Greenleaf, assistant professor of kinesiology, health promotion and recreation at the University of North Texas, said: "Girls and women, in our society, are socialized to value physical appearance. and ultra-thin beauty that rarely occurs naturally and pursuing that ultra-thin physique at all costs. Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among young women. Additionally, one in ten people with anorexia will die from a complication caused by the disease. Although anorexia is a mental illness, it is more common among teenage girls because it is incited by the media through the fashion industry and pro-anorexia websites. Anorexia is a mental illness that can be identified by its victims starving themselves in order to lose weight. at dangerous levels. Most often, anorexics restrict their diet or exercise excessively in order to reduce their weight. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. This is mainly due to suicide and subsequent complications from starvation. These complications include heart and kidney failure as well as osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Women may also stop having periods. The gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and endocrine systems may also be affected. Thus, anorexia has adverse effects on a person's physical and mental health. There is debate about whether or not anorexia can be caused by environmental factors and whether the occurrence of anorexia is increasing. The article “Not Our Stars, But Ourselves” stated: “Some of these causes may overlap, but biomedical researchers are virtually unanimous that anorexia has physical roots” (Schwarz). The article also questions whether the cultivation of a... middle of paper...... a disease that cannot be abandoned with the incentive of rational argument” (Schwarz). So, anyone suffering from anorexia or knowing someone suffering from anorexia should seek professional treatment. Works Cited Austin, S. Bryn and others. “Screening for eating disorders among high school students: results…” Chronic disease prevention. October 2008: 1-10. SIRS Givernment Reporter. Internet. January 29, 2014. Friedman, LS Eating Disorders. Greenhouse, 2006. Print.Moore, Booth. “The fashion industry glorifies anorexia.” Anorexia, Stefan Kiesbye. O'Farrell, Peggy. "UC Study: Internet Fuels Anorexia." » Cincinnati Enquirer: np February 23, 2011. SIRSIssues Researcher. Internet. January 30, 2014. Schwarz, Fred. “Not our stars but ourselves.” National Review Vol. 61, November 3 February 23, 2009: 22-4. Researcher on SIRS issues. Internet. January 30. 2014 .