ABSTRACTAnorexia nervosa or self‐starvation is a disease that can lead to lifelong problems or death. A problem primarily affecting young women, anorexia is occurring at a rapidly increasing rate in the United States. In today's society, thinness is perpetuated in all aspects of life; the result of this initial dieting in combination with a low self‐concept and self‐esteem appear to be factors related to this disease. This article defines anorexia nervosa, explains physical and psychological problems resulting from the disease and emphasizes the role health professionals have in the prevention and early recognition of anorexia nervosa in the adolescent.