Karen Carpenter's Last Photo and Her Battle with Anorexia

The death of Karen Carpenter in 1983 was a shock to her fans and the music world. The talented singer, known for her smooth vocals and iconic hits like 'Close to You' and 'We've Only Just Begun,' had been battling an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa for many years. Despite her struggles, she continued to perform and create music until her untimely passing.

Karen's battle with anorexia began in high school, where she started dieting excessively to achieve a slim figure. Her weight dropped significantly over the years, reaching as low as 91 pounds by September 1975. To gain weight, Karen underwent thyroid replacement treatment in late 1981 and was placed on intravenous parenteral nutrition. However, this treatment strained her already weak heart, which had been affected by years of anorexia.

In addition to the physical toll of anorexia, Karen's condition also took a mental and emotional toll. She became increasingly withdrawn and isolated from her friends and family, who were concerned about her appearance but did not know that she was suffering from a serious eating disorder.

Despite her struggles, Karen continued to perform and record music until the end of her life. Her last public appearance was on January 11, 1983, at the gathering of past Grammy Award winners. It is reported that she saw her brother Richard for the last time on February 1, 1983, to discuss plans for a new Carpenters album.

After Karen's passing, her family and friends established the Carpenter Memorial Foundation to raise awareness about anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. The foundation also raises money for research into these conditions. Today, Karen Carpenter is remembered not only for her incredible music but also for her bravery in speaking out about a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

In conclusion, Karen Carpenter's last photo is a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of anorexia nervosa. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of awareness and support for those struggling with eating disorders, and it continues to inspire hope and resilience in the music community and beyond.

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