Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a refusal to eat enough to maintain a healthy body weight. People with anorexia develop an intense, irrational fear of becoming fat. This fear escalates to the point where intentional starvation is used as a means to achieve the desired thinness. People with this illness truly believe they are fat, even though others can see that they have become painfully thin, even emaciated. Untreated anorexia is dangerous. Twenty percent of anorexic patients die from starvation or heart failure. Anorexia should be treated by an experienced, qualified, professional as early as possible. The sooner treatment starts, the greater the chances of success. Learn more about anorexia nervosa: Symptoms and Signs of Anorexia Nervosa Health Risks of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment of Anorexia   ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS WHEN IT'S SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT | TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO LEARN MORE | DISORDERED EATING MAIN PAGE BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.