It is all over the national news. After a year of speculation and finger pointing, Mary-Kate Olsen of the rich and famous young actresses the Olsen Twins, has admitted to a "health disorder" which has been reported to be anorexia nervosa.

In it's most basic definition, you know that it means that Mary-Kate doesn't eat. But what really drives successful, wealthy, seemingly happy people to self-destructive types of behaviors and disorders such as anorexia?

What is anorexia nervosa?
The essential features of Anorexia Nervosa are that the individual refuses to maintain a minimally normal body weight, is intensely afraid of gaining weight, and exhibits a significant disturbance in the perception of the shape or size of his or her body. The individual maintains a body weight that is below a minimally normal level for age and height.

It probably makes sense after reading the definition. Mary-Kate is a high-profile actress and has been since she was 9 months old on television. She feels the pressure from everywhere to maintain a specific size. But is that the only factor influencing this outcome?

The Perfect Target
Mary-Kate is actually the perfect person to fall victim to this eating disorder. She is a high-powered and very famous celebrity who has been forever linked to her twin, has recently finished a major motion picture (New York Minute) that didn't do what was expected at the box office, and just recently became (along with her sister) responsible for their billion dollar empire (they just turned 18).

Eating disorders tend to run in families, with female relatives most often affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa. ( For instance, if she has a sibling with the disease). Behavior and environment may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase the risk of eating disorders as well.

To understand these disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation, and perfectionism. These people tend to be good students, excellent athletes, disciplined artists or dancers. Studies show that by focusing on weight loss and food --the person is allowed to ignore problems that are too painful or seem unresolvable.

Learn more and/or get support for anorexia at: Diary of an Anorexic Girl
by Morgan Menzie

Talk to someone about anorexia at: Hotline #: (847)  831-3438 Monday through Friday 9am-5pm

Lisa Angelettie M.S.W. is a psychotherapist and author on a variety of mind-body-money-relationship issues for women. You can also visit her at http://www.girlshrink.com