Anorexia nervosa in later life

Anorexia nervosa is generally considered a disease of adolescence. However, recently there has been a growing number of case reports of anorexia nervosa occurring in later life. Physicians must be aware of the fact that anorexia nervosa can occur well into the fifth, sixth, and seventh decades of life. Three cases of probable anorexia nervosa in later life are presented. When confronted with cases of unexplained weight loss, physicians should include anorexia nervosa in their differential diagnosis and pursue the answers to questions that will help make the diagnosis.