Anorexia and the shape or the stomach

[blueyedevil]

I don't want to insult anyone by talking about a sensative subject but this is a sincere question.

In the videos we see of third world countries you very often see that their stomachs are bloated from lack of food/nutrition (thats what i've been told its from), therefore, why are anorexics stomachs sunken in rather than bloated.  they are afterall starving themselves and aren't getting food or nutrition either.

Why is there this difference?  Is it becaues i've been told the wrong reason that i'm so confused or am i just not understanding?

Thanks

[undercovers]

the condition you are thinking of that causes the bloated abdomen is called kwashiorkor, a google search will tell you a lot about it but see this for a brief explanation. The condition mostly affects children (though can affect adults through infection or chronic malabsorption etc) who once weaned are not getting enough amino acids, e.g. no meat in the diet. Anorexics are adults so are much less likely to suffer from this condition as they deteriorate.

[Weaza_cfc]

But not all anorexics are adults.

Sorry to butt in, i have always wondered too blueyedevil!