Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an overwhelming desire for thinness , which may be accompanied by compensatory measures and procedures: strict restrictive dieting (or even fasting), excessive exercise, and purging behaviors (self-induced vomiting and abuse of laxatives and diuretics). Those affected exhibit a distorted body image , with extreme preoccupation with diet, shape, and weight. They are often unaware of the illness, which can pose a physical risk due to their low weight. It frequently occurs in self-demanding, perfectionistic individuals with low self-esteem.