Many young women suffer from eating disorders. Criticized and shamed by many for their body, weight and appearance, insecurities abound among these women. Especially female celebrities, who are constantly held to unattainable standards by the public. These insecurities can lead to a number of psychological problems or disorders, including eating disorders. An eating disorder is defined as “an illness that causes severe disruption to daily diet, such as eating extremely small amounts of food or excessive eating” by the National Institute of Mental Health. In recent years, many celebrities have said they suffer from an eating disorder, one of the most recent being pop star Kesha. One of the eating disorders Kesha suffers from is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is defined by the American Psychological Association as having "a distorted body image that leads one to see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously thin." People who suffer from anorexia usually avoid eating or eat very little and may also experience social anxiety about eating in front of others. Genetics, a culture focused on an ideal body type, being criticized for your weight, perfectionism, and self-hatred can all become a risk for anorexia. And although 85-95% of people with anorexia are women, men can also develop the disorder; although it is much less likely. Some symptoms of anorexia are rapid and extreme weight loss, eating little or nothing, taking diet pills and supplements, and exercising excessively. Anorexia, along with other eating disorders, can cause or go hand in hand with anxiety, depression, heart/brain problems, and substance abuse. Anorexia can lead to hair-splitting…half-of-paper…ailments and although they will likely still remain a part of her life, she will not suffer from them. However, others are not always so lucky. Sometimes they don't get or try to get help, and their eating disorder can cause them many health problems. If left untreated, eating disorders can become dangerous and even cause death from starvation, malnutrition, or depression/suicide.Works Citedwww.people.com/people/article/0,,20777153,00.html www.people.com/people / article/0,,20772368,00.html www.people.com/people/article/0,,20795235,00.html www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/eople.com/people/article / ,,.htm www/nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/.html www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/anorexia-nervosa.html www.apa.org/helpcenter/ eating .aspxwww.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/general-information/