Mend Your Diet

Anorexia???

Hi I have a friend (male) and I am really worried about him, and think that he is either on the brink of suffering from anorexia, or is currently suffering from it. I have talked to him about his eating habits before, and it hasn't made any difference. I am going to try to talk to him about it tomorrow, has anyone got any ideas how I could help him (i.e what to say)? And also, just to check, what are the symptoms of anorexia? (I am pretty sure i have then right, but just to be sure) Any help is much appreciated!

Public Comments

1. Thank you health class. Okay, Symptoms: not eating making food and not eating it saying "i look fat" Denies being anorexic. Just have a 1 on 1 talk and ask him. Say how extremely unhealthy it is. And that people can help him with it. He can go on a healthy diet if he feels he has to loose weight. I hope everything works out. Good luck.
2. Hi there, I'm sorry to hear that your friend is struggling. All you can do is be there for him and voice your concern. Perhaps referring him to an eating disorders therapist might help, if he is willing to check it out. In terms of diagnostic criteria, DSM criteria for anorexia nervosa is as follows: -Refusal to maintain a body weight that is at or above the minimal normal weight for age and height (below 85% IBW) -Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though the person is underweight -Denying the seriousness of having a low body weight, or having a distorted image of one's appearance or shape -In women who've started having periods, the absence of a period for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles In case you need it, here is a link to a eating disorders treatment finder: http://www.something-fishy.org/treatmentfinder/pmd_new/ Good luck to you!
3. you might need to talk to his parents. or a school counselor. :/ anorexia is serious. so it might be best to just go over him and talk to someone who can take care of him. even if he will get angry. some signs of anorexia: * dramatic weight loss; refusal to maintain the minimal normal body weight for one’s age and height * basing self-worth on body weight and body image * frequent skipping of meals, with excuses for not eating * eating only a few foods, especially those low in fat and calories * making meals for others, but not eating the meals themselves * frequent weighing of oneself and focusing on tiny fluctuations in weight * wearing baggy clothing to cover up thinness * excessive focus on an exercise regimen * frequent looking in the mirror for flaws * avoidance of social gatherings where food is involved * even when thin, complaining about being overweight * in females, missing three consecutive menstrual periods; in males, decreased sexual desire