It generally begins in mid teens though children as young as nine are reported to be dieting and may be putting themselves at risk. A third of anorexics were overweight as children.

What is anorexia?
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterised by an obsessive desire to lose weight and a distorted body image. Though sufferers are painfully thin, they see themselves as fat and starve themselves to prevent weight gain.

They may also use other methods to lose weight, like making themselves sick after eating, dosing themselves with laxatives or excessive exercise.

ADVICE TO FAMILIES
Seek professional help as soon as you can
Anorexia is a serious illness and, in a small percentage of cases, fatal. Argument and persuasion from family members will not help. The underlying condition is a form of mental illness and the sufferer needs professional help - the earlier, the better. Ask your GP to recommend a specialist clinic.

Provide support and encouragement without intruding. For many anorexics, it appears that their weight is the only area of their life in which they have control. They may therefore be very resistant to getting treatment which they feel will take away their control. It is vital to approach the matter delicately.