Anorexia Nervosa is a chronic disorder of self starvation which manifests itself in an extreme aversion to food and can cause psychological, endocrine and gynecological problems. A person with anorexia may begin to diet in order to lose just a few pounds. Dieting does not stop here... and an abnormal concern with dieting is established. Nobody knows what triggers the disease process, but suddenly, losing five to ten pounds is not enough. The anorectic patient becomes intent on losing weight. It is uncommon for someone who develops the disorder to starve herself until she weighs just 60 or 70 pounds.