Anorexia nervosa, a life-threatening eating disorder characterized by extreme restriction of food intake and often a distorted self-image, has affected many people, including some of the world’s most beloved celebrities. Despite their fame, these individuals faced intense struggles with mental health, body image, and societal pressures that ultimately led to heartbreaking outcomes. This list remembers 20 stars whose lives were tragically cut short by the devastating effects of anorexia.

1. Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter, the talented singer of the ’70s duo The Carpenters, was one of the first celebrities to bring public awareness to anorexia. She died in 1983 at just 32 from heart failure caused by complications related to her disorder, highlighting the hidden struggles of eating disorders.

2. Isabelle Caro

French model Isabelle Caro became an icon of anorexia awareness when she posed in a controversial anti-anorexia campaign in 2007. She died in 2010 at 28, succumbing to complications from her long battle with the disorder.

3. Christy Henrich

An American gymnast, Christy Henrich, felt the pressure to be thin and reportedly struggled with anorexia after being told by a judge to lose weight. She died at 22 in 1994, her body ravaged by the effects of the illness.

4. Luisel Ramos

Luisel Ramos, an Uruguayan model, passed away from heart failure during a fashion show in 2006. Her extreme diet of only lettuce and Diet Coke was an attempt to meet industry standards, which tragically led to her untimely death.

5. Eliana Ramos

Eliana Ramos, sister to Luisel, also passed away due to complications related to anorexia just six months after her sister’s death. Her death underscored the pressures faced by models in maintaining an unhealthy thinness.

6. Leila Pahlavi

Leila Pahlavi, daughter of the former Shah of Iran, struggled with anorexia and depression. She was found dead in her hotel room in London in 2001, with anorexia cited as a contributing factor to her tragic passing at 31.

7. Nicole Ritchie

Though she survived her eating disorder, Nicole Ritchie struggled publicly with anorexia in the early 2000s. She eventually sought treatment, using her experiences to advocate for eating disorder awareness.

8. Ana Carolina Reston

A Brazilian model, Ana Carolina Reston passed away in 2006 at the age of 21 due to complications from anorexia. She was only 88 pounds at the time, bringing renewed attention to the dangers of extreme weight loss.

9. Fiona Apple

While Fiona Apple is still alive, she has openly discussed her struggles with anorexia, which were fueled by trauma and a negative self-image. Her openness has helped destigmatize conversations around eating disorders in the music industry.

10. Hila Elmalich

An Israeli model, Hila Elmalich, succumbed to anorexia at the age of 34 in 2007. She had struggled with the disorder for years, her body unable to endure the physical toll.

11. Lena Zavaroni

Scottish singer Lena Zavaroni, famous for her child talent, passed away at 35 after a long battle with anorexia. Her untimely death in 1999 drew attention to the connection between childhood fame and mental health issues.

12. Daniella Ferrante

Italian actress and model Daniella Ferrante passed away in 1990 at the young age of 23 due to complications from anorexia, which she had struggled with since her teenage years.

13. Kirsten Haglund

Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, battled anorexia for years before seeking recovery. She later used her platform to promote awareness and founded the Kirsten Haglund Foundation, helping others struggling with the disorder.

14. Jeremy Gillitzer

Jeremy Gillitzer was a model and personal trainer who battled both anorexia and bulimia for years. He passed away at 38 in 2010, raising awareness that eating disorders also affect men.

15. Caroline Flack

While the exact cause of Caroline Flack’s death was suicide, the British TV presenter openly struggled with anorexia, depression, and body image issues, highlighting the mental health challenges often associated with eating disorders.

16. Heidi Guenther

A talented ballet dancer, Heidi Guenther passed away from complications related to anorexia at 22. The pressures of the ballet industry played a role in her disorder, shining a light on the unique struggles within the dance world.

17. Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse, while primarily known for her battle with addiction, also struggled with eating disorders throughout her life. Her struggles with anorexia and bulimia were a part of her complex health issues, contributing to her tragic early death at 27.

18. Daul Kim

South Korean model Daul Kim took her own life at 20 after struggling with depression and an eating disorder. Her death highlighted the pressures and mental health challenges within the modeling industry.

19. Natasha Collins

British actress Natasha Collins passed away at 31 after battling an eating disorder. Her tragic death serves as a reminder of the pressures and isolation that can accompany fame.

20. Michael Jackson

While Michael Jackson’s death was due to an overdose, he was also reported to have struggled with disordered eating. Friends and family recounted how he would often skip meals, and some speculate his relationship with food was affected by immense pressure and scrutiny over his appearance.