Anorexia and bulimia are two illnesses that can actually kill if not treated in time. But how can you spot if someone has an eating disorder?
Here are the main signs of anorexia
The sufferer:
- constantly exercises and eats very little;
- enjoys offering/cooking lots of food and watching other people eat it;
- avoids eating at meal times by making lots of excuses (“I have already eaten“, I will eat something when I am out“);
- weights themselves every day;
- starts to rapidly look gaunt due to an unhealthy weight loss;
- might faint on a regular basis as too weak due to lack of nutrients;
- complaints that she/he is fat even when looks very thin
Is this you or you know someone who is? Then talk to a doctor, practice nurse, or a school or college nurse.
And here are the main signs of bulimia
The sufferer:
- binge eats (i.e. eats lots of food in a very short time);
- makes him/herself vomit or uses laxatives nearly after every meal/binge eating;
- has mood changes such as feeling anxious;
- is scared of putting weight on
Is this you or you know someone who is? Then talk to a doctor, practice nurse, or a school or college nurse.
The NHS website has some very helpful information and advice on eating disorders
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from the eating disorders charity Beat by calling their designated youth helpline on 0808 801 0711. The helpline is open every day of the year from 3pm to 10pm.