Anorexia

Anorexia is an eating disorder where you worry about your weight, want to lose weight and eat less and less food. It's a serious condition, but with the right help, you can recover and take back your life.

If things feel out of control, restricting what you eat could be a way of feeling more in charge. But this feeling does not last - restricting your food intake is not a long-term solution.

Girls are ten times more likely than boys to develop anorexia, but eating disorders are becoming more common among males.

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa are both physical and mental.

Feelings and behaviours:

eating less and less
exercising too much
thinking a lot about calories
feeling panicky about eating in front or others or having a big meal
feeling fat even though people tell you you're too thin
obsession with body image and comparing your body to others
losing interest in things
low mood and irritability

Physical changes:

losing lots of weight quickly
periods stopping or being unable to have an erection
feeling cold all the time
growing new downy hair on your body
poor sleep and concentration
constipation

Just because you experience one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re definitely affected by anorexia nervosa. It’s important to talk to your GP to get a full diagnosis.

What to do about anorexia

Take the first step – Anorexia can happen to anyone. It can be very difficult to accept that you have a problem, but it's the first step to getting better.

If you think you are affected by anorexia nervosa, talk to someone you like and trust, like a teacher, relative, counsellor or friend.

You should also see your GP. They may offer to refer you to an expert or a psychiatrist who can help you.