During the Middle Ages, anorexia was viewed as a miraculous loss of appetite bestowed by God upon a few lucky people who were repenting for their sins. In modern times, it is a dangerous mental illness. The rise of fashion magazines and increased focus on thinness has brought with it a rise in anorexia and other eating disorders. This guide provides the deep details behind these illnesses and shares the steps that a young reader needs to take to improve his or her body image.