Signs of Anorexia and How to Help

Staying healthy and taking good care of you body is great, but some people can take it to the extreme. When a person starts to do things that can be emotionally or physically threatening to lose weight, it may mean that the person has an eating disorder. There are ways to notice if the person has anorexia, for example signs that may show are:

-dieting despite being thin

-obsession with food labels (calories,fat grams,nutrition)

-pretending or lying about eating

-dramatic weight loss

-critical of own appearance

-feeling fat despite being underweight

-throwing up after eating

-compulsive exercising

Steps to Overcoming Anorexia

1. Admit you have a problem

2. Talk to someone

3. Stay away from things that can trigger your obsession with being thin

4. Seek professional help   

How to Help Someone Who Doesn't Want Help

- Know that the individual makes the decision to get help

- Be a good role model of healthy eating and exercising

- Seek advise from a professional

- Give your compassion and support to that person

- Avoid threats, scary tactics, put-downs or angry outbursts. 

For More Information:

- Visit  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anorexia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm

- Call the National Eating Disorders Association’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-931-2237 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST).