If the latest reports from Hollywood are to be believed, Angelina Jolie currently weighs just 99 lbs( 45kgs). That for a person who is 5 feet 7 inches tall makes her fall into the ‘underweight’ category. Though the “Salt” and “Tomb Raider” star has always denied it, the reports may be true. A former model herself, Anorexia is a very common ‘weight maintenance’ tool used by models who want to conform to the rigid weight rules put down by designers for their catwalk models.Anorexia(or anorexia nervosa) is a type of eating disorder. People who suffer from anorexia fear that by eating food they will gain weight. Due to this intense fear of gaining weight, they tend to drastically limit the amount of food they eat and end up depriving the body of essential calories and nutrients. This not only makes them dangerously underweight, but they also have several nutrient deficiencies. It is a known fact that almost 95% of those who suffer from this eating disorder are females. The problem usually starts in the teen years and if not recognized and treated early can become a lifelong problem for some. Anorexia is also classified as a psychological disorder. This is because most sufferers imagine themselves to be overweight even though they are not. Treatment often includes psychiatrist treatment along with nutritional intervention. Anorexia is very common among models, actors, and other movers and shakers as they are obsessed with looking good in front of the cameras.Other well-known celebrities who were known to have eating disorders include Princess Diana, Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham, singer Alanis Morrisette and even yesteryears actress Audrey Hepburn. Celebrities who have died due to anorexia include 70’s singer Karen Carpenter (of The Carpenters), gymnast Christy Henrich, and catwalk models (who also happen to be sisters) Elaina and Luisel Ramos. Whether the reports are true or not we’ll probably never know. Let’s just hope that the reports about Angelina are just rumors and the 35 year old mother of six is sensible enough to take care of herself and not fall prey to the disorder.   Sweta Uchil-Purohit Dietitian, Desidieter ... Read More