What are the first signs of anorexia?
Question:
She recently said to me that she doesn't eat dinner that much anymore because she "just doesn't feel hungry enough." And she seems to get a lot of stomach aches and throws up once in a while which she claims is a stomach virus.
I told her I think she might have an eating disorder and she denied it. She says she still eats and her weight is normal, so she doesnt have a disorder.
Are these signs of an eating disorder? And if so how can I convince her that she needs to talk to someone about it?
Answers:
Sounds like you're seeing the first signs. There are whole support groups for people "trying" to be anorexic. Go to xanga.com or myspace and type in thinspo or something like that. They call it "thinspiration". Groups of young girls posing pics of waif thin models and such and blogging their experiences. These girls never think they have a "disorder" and if your friend does, it will be very hard to get her to stop.
you can't really convince her-if she is under 18, you need to talk to a trusted adult-it may not be an ED, but if she claims to be skipping meals, then you need to talk to someone about what she has been saying. she may hate you for it for awhile, but will most likely thank you later.
I'm 99% certain that your friend has an eating disorder... You can have eating disorders at any weight. And even though she may look normal now, she will probably start loosing weight fast eventually and she won't be able to control it or stop the dieting.
She needs help. Tell her that you are really worried and that you want her to go see someone just in case.
I don't know, I am no expert, but don't judge too quickly. I too am petite and don't eat very much, and people mistakenly think that I am anorexic. I too have suffered with stomach problems since I was little-- she may have IBS or something else. She also could be dealing with stress. If she is, then hopefully she'll reach out, but don't jump to conclusions. Just let her know that she isn't alone.
heres some symptoms: * fears gaining weight
* won’t eat in front of others
* weighs food and counts calories
* has dry skin and thinning hair on the head, fine hair all over their body, and brittle nails
* acts moody or depressed
* doesn’t socialize
* has absent or irregular periods
* feels cold frequently
* has difficulty concentrating
* takes pills to urinate or have a bowel movement (BM)
* doesn’t eat or follow a strict diet
* constantly exercises
* moves food around the plate; doesn’t eat it
* talks about weight and food all the time
* adopts rigid meal or eating rituals
* feels fatigued or dizzy
* has a flat mood, or lack of emotion
* frequent checks the mirror for perceived flaws
* wears baggy clothes to hide appearances
keep in mind though, some people have small figures naturally and different stomachs. then again it might be an ed (eating disorder). i wouldnt talk to her parents or anyone serious until you'd know for sure. you can lose friends over that. maybe talk to someone about it (say "my fiend..." and make sure its someone you trust that will know its not you that you're talking about)
Individuals with anorexia often have the following characteristics:
behavior that isolates them from others
excessive dependency needs
flat affect, or a face that doesn't display normal emotions
immaturity
obsessive-compulsive behavior
tendency toward an excess of exercise or other physical activity
If your friend is showing any of these signs You need to get her help asap! Because the chance are that she have been doing it for a while now and hiding it! I wish you and your friend Luck! Just one thing to remember that she is not going to what to get help and she will never be able to get better unless she wants to help her self! You might what to do some research and have you read it and show some picture to her! The blunt truth to her reality might help!
Click here, it's prety helpfull
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitn...
Sudden weight loss, and the like. Other symptoms will follow!
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