Eating Disorders

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF ANOREXIA?

Having awareness about Anorexia and its signs and symptoms can make a huge difference to the duration and severity of the illness. Seeking help at the first warning sign is much more effective than waiting until the illness is in full swing. If you or someone you know is exhibiting some or a combination of these signs it is vital to seek help and support as soon as possible.

Someone with Anorexia may display any combination of the following warning signs.

Physical Signs

Rapid weight loss or frequent weight changesLoss or disturbance of menstruation in girls and women and decreased libido in menFainting or dizzinessFeeling cold most of the time, even in warm weather (caused by poor circulation)Feeling bloated, constipated, or the development of intolerances to foodFeeling tired and not sleeping wellLethargy and low energyFacial changes (e.g. looking pale, sunken eyes)Fine hair appearing on face and body

Psychological Signs

Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and weightFeeling anxious and/or irritable around meal timesIntense fear of gaining weightUnable to maintain a normal body weight for their age and heightDepression and anxietyReduced capacity for thinking and increased difficulty concentrating'Black and white' thinking (e.g. rigid thoughts about food being 'good' or 'bad')Having a distorted body image (e.g. seeing themselves as overweight when they are actually underweight)Low self esteem and perfectionismIncreased sensitivity to comments relating to food, weight, body shape, exerciseExtreme body image dissatisfaction

Behavioural Signs

Dieting behaviour (e.g. fasting, counting calories/kilojoules, avoiding food groups such as fats and carbohydrates)Deliberate misuse of laxatives, appetite suppressants, enemas and diureticsRepetitive or obsessive behaviours relating to body shape and weight (e.g. repeated weighing, looking in the mirror obsessively and pinching waist or wrists)Evidence of binge eating (e.g. disappearance or hoarding of food)Eating in private and avoiding meals with other peopleAnti-social behaviour (spending more and more time alone)Secrecy around eating (e.g. saying they have eaten when they haven't, hiding uneaten food)Compulsive or excessive exercising (e.g. exercising in bad weather, continuing to exercise when sick or injured, and experiencing distress if exercise is not possible)Radical changes in food preferences (e.g. suddenly disliking food they have always enjoyed in the past, reporting of food allergies or intolerances, becoming vegetarian)Obsessive rituals around food preparation and eating (e.g. eating very slowly, cutting food into very small pieces, insisting that meals are served at exactly the same time everyday)Preoccupation with preparing food for others, recipes and nutritionSelf harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts