Anorexia - Worried someone close to you might have anorexia?

Anorexia

Worried someone close to you might have anorexia?

People who have an eating disorder often try hard to keep it a secret. Here are some things that might suggest someone you know has anorexia or another eating disorder:

Source:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Binge eating disorder.
September 2004. Available at http://win.niddk.nih.gov (accessed on 12 January 2009).

Source:
Hobbs WL, Johnson CA.
Anorexia nervosa: an overview.
American Family Physician. 1996; 54: 1273-1279, 1284-1286.

Source:
Moses S.
Anorexia nervosa.
Available at http://www.fpnotebook.com/Psych/Eating/AnrxNrvs.htm (accessed on 12 January 2009).

Eating small portions of food and skipping meals, even if they haven't eaten for a while
Avoiding certain foods, such as meat and sweet foods. Instead they stick to "safe" low-calorie foods, like tomatoes and vegetables. Some people insist on eating these foods in set quantities (for example, 10 green beans or one tablespoon of ketchup)
Behaving strangely around food. They might cut their food into little pieces or crumble it and move it around the plate so it looks like they're eating. They may hoard food or recipes
Not wanting to eat with others
Constantly talking about food
Saying they feel very fat but being very thin
Saying they are fatter than someone when they are clearly not
Constantly checking their weight and how they look in the mirror. Complaining they are heavy or hate parts of their body
Preparing big meals for family and friends but not eating the food or eating just a little or only a few low-calorie foods
Being irritable and distressed, especially around mealtimes
Feeling full after eating only small amounts of food
Leaving the table during or immediately after a meal, often to go to the bathroom
Lying about food and being very secretive. For example, saying, "I ate earlier" to avoid a meal
Exercising nearly all the time
Being so thin that they're bony, with bones showing through their clothes
Having fine downy hair on their face
Always feeling cold and wearing lots of clothes to help stay warm (and to hide thinness)
Drinking lots of water or fizzy low-calorie drinks to take away hunger pangs
Missing school or work.

If you think someone has anorexia, try talking to them about it, but don't be surprised if they get angry. People who have anorexia may think others are just trying to fatten them up. They may deny they have a problem. The best thing you can do is encourage a person who has anorexia to get professional help. The first step is to take them to see their doctor or to a clinic for people with eating disorders.

You may also find it useful to talk with someone about your worries. Your doctor may be able to put you in touch with a local support group for people with anorexia and their families. The people there may be able to give you some advice and support on how to cope with someone who has an eating disorder.

Sources for the information on this page:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Binge eating disorder.September 2004. Available at http://win.niddk.nih.gov (accessed on 12 January 2009).

Hobbs WL, Johnson CA.Anorexia nervosa: an overview.American Family Physician. 1996; 54: 1273-1279, 1284-1286.

Moses S.Anorexia nervosa.Available at http://www.fpnotebook.com/Psych/Eating/AnrxNrvs.htm (accessed on 12 January 2009).

This information was last updated on Feb 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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