Karen Carpenter's struggle with anorexia nervosa is explored in a new biography titled Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter. The biography sheds light on the emotional turmoil and physical consequences that the singer-drummer faced throughout her life, ultimately leading to her untimely death at the age of 32 in 1983.

The biography recounts Carpenter's commitment to seeking help for her condition in January 1982. She checked into the City Regency Hotel in Manhattan for intensive therapy sessions with psychotherapist Steven Levenkron. Each session cost $100, demonstrating her determination to conquer the illness. Levenkron discovered the extent of Carpenter's compulsive behaviors, including her ingestion of over 90 Dulcolax laxatives at once. He was also shocked to learn that she took 10 pills a day of Synthroid, a thyroid medication that dangerously accelerated her metabolism. Levenkron immediately intervened and confiscated the excess medication.

Karen's battle with anorexia had taken a toll on her physical health by September 1982 when she was admitted to Lenox Hill hospital on the Upper East Side. At that point, she weighed a mere 77lbs, suffered severe dehydration, and had a life-threatening blood potassium level. Her digestive tract was so damaged that she had to be fed through an intravenous drip.

Despite her resistance to gaining weight, Karen allowed herself to receive care while in the hospital. Over the next seven weeks, she gained 20lbs, first through intravenous nutrition and then by consuming small meals. During her hospitalization, she made plans for the next phase of her life and even signed a petition for divorce from her husband at the time, Thomas James Burris, on October 28.

After completing therapy with Levenkron in November 1982, Karen weighed 100lbs and presented him with a needlepoint canvas reading 'YOU WIN - I GAIN,' symbolizing her progress and gratitude. Her commitment to therapy had been three years shy of what he had recommended, but it marked a significant step forward in her battle against anorexia.

Carpenter made her final public appearance alongside her brother and bandmate Richard on January 11, 1983, at an event for past Grammy Award winners. The duo had plans for a tour but, tragically, it was never realized. On February 4, Karen was found unclothed and motionless on the wardrobe floor of her childhood home in Downey, California. She was in cardiac arrest, and her cause of death was attributed to emetine cardiotoxicity due to or as a consequence of anorexia nervosa.

Karen Carpenter's legacy in the music industry is undeniably profound. She left everything in her will to her brother Richard Carpenter, who oversaw the release of multiple Carpenters compilations and posthumous records. The sibling duo, who signed with A&M in 1969, sold over 150 million records worldwide and had 35 Billboard Top 10 hits, including classics like "Close to You," "Rainy Days and Mondays," and "We've Only Just Begun."

Karen Carpenter's story continues to shed light on the devastating effects of anorexia nervosa, a serious mental illness that affects many individuals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, support, and early intervention for those fighting this battle.