Anorexia is an eating problem that occurs when you are so afraid of becoming overweight that you eat as little as possible. If you have this disorder, you see yourself as being overweight when you are not.

This condition is both a physical illness and a mental illness. Hormone changes result from the low weight and low levels of body fat. In women menstruation usually stops.
This illness occurs most often in young women. The illness can also occur in athletes, dancers, and actors who want to maintain low weight for better performance.

Anorexia can be a very severe illness. Death may occur from starvation or suicide.

The cause of anorexia is not clear. Part of the cause in many cultures is thinking that being thin means being beautiful.

You may be at risk of developing anorexia nervosa if you have a family history of anorexia or other eating disorders, if you have a family or personal history of depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety.