None of these warning signs on its own means that a young person has anorexia but if they are exhibiting several of these signs then you are right to be concerned. For further information, support and advice visit www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

1. Anorexia
Warning Signs
Pooky Knightsmith
Institute of Psychiatry
www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

2. What is an eating disorder?
• 3 major types
• Food and weight as a way of coping
• Serious mental health issue
• ANYONE can be affected
• Not all about appearances
• Low self-esteem
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

3. Anorexia Nervosa
The thinner I got, the fatter I felt. I would look in the mirror
and cry as I saw this ugly whale looking back at me
• Low weight
• Fear of weight gain
• Influence of shape and weight
• Loss of periods
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

4. Anorexia Warning Signs
Weight Loss
(may be cleverly hidden…)
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

5. Anorexia Warning Signs
Restricted Eating
May cut out entire food groups – e.g. become vegetarian
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

6. Anorexia Warning Signs
Skipping Meals
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

7. Anorexia Warning Signs
Strange Behaviour
Calorie Counting
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

8. Anorexia Warning Signs
Baggy Clothing
Layers of Clothes
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

9. Anorexia Warning Signs
Isolation
Distances themselves from friends
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

10. Anorexia Warning Signs
Avoiding PE to avoid weight loss detection
or exercising hard to lose weight
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

11. Anorexia Warning Signs
Dizziness due to low blood sugar
Blue Hands due to cold
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

12. Anorexia Warning Signs
Lifeless Hair
Brittle Nails due to poor nutrition
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

13. Anorexia Warning Signs
Chewing Gum
To take mind off or replace food
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

14. Anorexia Warning Signs
Can’t focus on School Work
consumed with thoughts of food
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

15. Warning Signs Summary
• Weight loss • Avoiding PE
• Restricted eating • Over-exercising
• Skipping meals • Dizziness & fainting
• Strange behaviour • Blue hands
• Calorie counting • Lifeless hair
• Baggy clothing • Brittle nails
• Layers of clothing • Chewing gum
• Can’t focus in class
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

16. Questions?
pooky@eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk
@ed_advice
www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk
Advice and support for teachers and parents
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk

17. The Book
@ED_Advice www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk