Studying Anorexia Nervosa

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When you look at it closely, the numbers are quite concerning. Anorexia nervosa affects more than 1 out of every hundred women with teens and young adults the most vulnerable.

We know that there is a strong psychological component associated with the condition. The major problem associated with anorexia is a distorted body image. A person with anorexia often thinks they are overweight despite being thin, sometimes dramatically underweight.

There are theories that outside pressures like those from the media play a crucial role as well. The fact that there are psychological factors at play is causing experts in the field to study genetic links and specific interactions that may impact the condition or even contribute to its occurrence.