How can you identify anorexia?

The list of common symptoms below are a useful guide. But, as with any other serious health issue, always seek professional advice at the first opportunity.

Physical changes
Anorexics appear painfully thin. Girls will often wear loose-fitting and layered clothes to hide their thinness. Layers of woolly clothing may also help to keep them warm as the drastic change in weight often causes a drop in body temperature.

As their stomach contracts due to the low food intake, sufferers complain of abdominal pains after eating. Lack of food can cause bouts of constipation and large quantities of laxatives may be taken, partly for constipation and (more likely) to get rid of any food they have eaten.

When body weight falls below a certain level, anorexics find that their periods have stopped. If anorexia occurs before puberty, it will stop its onset. Skin becomes dry, nails become brittle and a growth of downy hair may appear on the face.

Changes in eating habits
A teenager suffering from anorexia may skip family meals, claiming that she has already eaten. She avoids eating with others and snatches 'meals' at odd moments of the day. Food may be cut up into small portions and pushed around the plate. Bulky but low-calorie food, such as celery or lettuce, is piled high and substituted for more substantial food.

Changes in behaviour
Anorexics may exercise excessively, though their weight loss makes them weak and easily tired. They may count calories obsessively, read slimming magazines avidly and weigh themselves several times a day. Surprisingly, though they eat very little, anorexics are preoccupied with food and often love to cook for other people.

• Anorexia & Your Teenager
• Bulimia & Your Teenager
• Signs & Symptoms Of Bulimia