Spotlight by AnaChristy 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 an ultra-thin beauty that rarely occurs naturally and to pursue that ultra-thin physique at any cost. Anorexia is the third most common chronic disease among young women. Additionally, one in ten people with anorexia will die from a complication caused by the disorder. Although anorexia is a mental illness, it is more common in adolescent women 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 who starve themselves to lose weight. to dangerous levels. Most often, anorexic people restrict food or exercise excessively to reduce body weight. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. This is mainly due to suicide and complications that arise from starvation. These complications include heart and kidney failure, as well as osteoporosis and muscle wasting. Females may also stop menstruating. The gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and endocrine systems may also be affected. Therefore, anorexia has harmful effects on a person's physical and mental health. There is debate as to whether or not anorexia can be caused by environmental factors and whether the incidence of anorexia is increasing. The article “Not Our Stars But Ourselves” stated: “Some of these causes may overlap with each other, but biomedical researchers are virtually unanimous that anorexia has physical roots” (Schwarz). The article also asks whether the growth of... middle of paper......a disease that cannot be abandoned with the incentive of rational argument” (Schwarz). Therefore, anyone who is or knows someone who suffers from anorexia should seek professional treatment. Works Cited Austin, S. Bryn, and others. “Screening High School Students for Eating Disorders: Results…”Prevention of Chronic Diseases. October 2008: 1-10. SIRS Government Reporter. Network. January 29, 2014. Friedman, L. S. Eating Disorders. Serra, 2006. Stampa.Moore, Stand. “The fashion industry glamorizes anorexia.” Anorexia, Stefan Kiesbye. O'Farrell, Peggy. “UC Study: Internet Fuels Anorexia.” Cincinnati Enquirer: np February 23, 2011. SIRSIssues Researcher. Network. January 30, 2014. Schwarz, Fred. “Not our stars but ourselves.” National Review Vol. 61, November 3 February 23, 2009: 22-4.SIRS Issues Researcher. Network. January 30. 2014 .