The paper will be based on the experience of a close friend of mine. Sadie was 16 years old when she was admitted to hospital for anorexia. The subject of anorexia was chosen for several reasons. Anorexia is a widespread cultural problem, as well as a medical condition. . One of the major issues in the paper therefore will be centered around the social pressures to be thin. It is not enough for nurses to care for individual patients. They need to become advocates for women who become victims of such messages; advocacy is central. Most especially, the paper will deal with the need for nurses to take a holistic approach to patients.