A summary of commonly seen warning signs in people suffering with anorexia nervosa. Designed to provide basic information and as the basis for awareness raising sessions with e.g. parents, students or school staff. There is also an accompanying video and factsheet see: http://www.inourhands.com/anorexia-nervosa-warning-signs

1. Anorexia
Warning Signs
Dr Pooky Knightsmith

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

3. ANOREXIA NERVOSA
• Low weight
• Fear of weight gain
• Influence of shape & weight
• Periods may stop in girls
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

4. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Weight Loss
(may be cleverly hidden…)

5. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Restricted Eating
May cut out entire food groups – e.g. become vegetarian

6. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Skipping Meals

7. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Strange Behaviour
Calorie Counting

8. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Baggy Clothing
Layers of Clothes

9. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Isolation
Distances themselves from friends

10. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Avoiding PE to avoid weight loss detection
or exercising hard to lose weight

11. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Dizziness due to low blood sugar
Blue Hands due to cold

12. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Lifeless Hair
Brittle Nails due to poor nutrition

13. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Chewing Gum
To take mind off or replace food

14. ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS
Can’t focus on School Work
consumed with thoughts of food

15. WARNING SIGNS SUMMARY
• Weight loss
• Restricted eating
• Skipping meals
• Strange behaviour
• Calorie counting
• Baggy clothing
• Layers of clothing
• Can’t focus in class
• Avoiding PE
• Over-exercising
• Dizziness &
fainting
• Blue hands
• Lifeless hair
• Brittle nails
• Chewing gum

16. Need more support?
Dr Pooky Knightsmith specialises in mental health and emotional
well-being in the school setting. She can provide training sessions
or workshops for school staff, parents or students on a variety of
topics.
For further information and free resources visit
www.inourhands.com
Email: pooky@inourhands.com
Twitter: @PookyH