Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of social and body perception as well as other variables (gender, financial situation, appetite, doctor recommended special diet, BMI, exercise) on the development of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) in university students. Methods: The population of this descriptive study consists of students at the main campus of a university (n=14109). The sample consists of 1002 students chosen among this group by random sampling method. Data were obtained by face-to-face meetings using the "Personal Information Form", "Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)" and "Social and Body Perception Form (SBPF)". Results: The AN rate was 8.9% and the total SBPF score was 21.51±21 of the students aged 20.24±20. SBPF Cronbach alpha coefficient was found to be 0.83. A statistically significant difference was detected between the EAT total scores and gender, financial situation and doctor recommended special diet (p<0.05). A statistically significant relationship was detected between the EAT total scores and SBPF total scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study found that the social and body perception of the students with AN was low. Social and body perception is an important factor in the development of AN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]