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Anorexia is an eating disorder commonly found in adolescents, particularly teenage girls, as nearly 90-95% of those affected are young women and females. This disorder can stem from societal pressures to appear slim or maintain a certain weight, personal factors like genetics or biology, and personality traits such as anxiety, stress, or sadness. The most common sign of anorexia is a thin or emaciated body. However, physical and behavioral signs can help you determine whether your daughter or friend is suffering from anorexia. If they exhibit any of the symptoms or signs listed below, you should encourage them to seek treatment for this potentially dangerous condition.
Steps
Recognizing Physical Signs
Take note if she shows signs of weight loss, protruding bones, and a gaunt appearance. One of the most common symptoms of severe weight loss is an emaciated body, particularly visible collarbones and rib bones. This is due to a lack of body fat, causing bones to become more prominent under the skin.
- Her face may appear hollow, with prominent cheekbones, making her look pale and malnourished.
Check if she appears tired, weak, or faint. Eating too little over a long period can lead to signs of exhaustion such as dizziness, fainting, and an inability to perform any physical activity. Individuals with anorexia may refuse to get out of bed or complete daily tasks due to extremely low energy levels from not eating enough or eating nothing at all.
Notice if her nails seem brittle, her hair is thin, and starts to fall out. Due to nutrient deficiencies, nails may break easily or appear dry and brittle. Similarly, hair may fall out in clumps or become fragile.
- Another sign of anorexia is the growth of fine hair on the face and body, known as lanugo. This occurs as the body attempts to keep warm when deprived of nutrition and energy from food.
Ask if her menstrual cycle is regular or if she has missed periods. Many girls with anorexia often experience missed periods or irregular menstrual cycles. For teenage girls aged 14-16, this condition is referred to as amenorrhea.
- If a girl misses her period due to an eating disorder like anorexia, she is at risk of health complications and should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Recognize behavioral signs
Observe if she skips meals or eats very little. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where individuals starve themselves to achieve a certain weight. If suffering from anorexia, she may frequently skip meals or make excuses for why she cannot eat. She might also avoid meals or pretend to have eaten when she hasn't. Despite feeling hungry, she may deny it and continue to fast.
- Additionally, she may adopt a restrictive diet, even if it includes calories, consuming far fewer calories than her body needs or only eating low-fat foods she believes won't cause weight gain. These are considered 'safe' foods and may be used to justify that she is eating, even though in reality, she is consuming much less than a nutritious meal.
Recognize her eating habits. Many girls with anorexia have ways to maintain control while eating. She might push food around her plate to appear as though she has eaten or pick at her food without actually consuming any of it. She may also cut her food into tiny pieces or chew and then spit it out.
Check if she exercises excessively or has a rigid workout routine. This could stem from a desire to control her weight and feel like she can continue losing weight. Many individuals with anorexia pay close attention to their exercise regimen, working out daily or multiple times a day to try and maintain their weight.
Notice if she complains about her weight or appearance. Anorexia is also a psychological disorder where the individual constantly complains about their weight and appearance. She might do this frequently when looking in the mirror or feel embarrassed about her appearance when shopping or going out. She might also express how fat and ugly she feels and how much she desires a slim body, even if she is already quite thin.
Ask if she uses weight loss pills. In an attempt to lose weight, she might take diet pills to speed up the process of weight loss. Using these substances is a significant part of trying to control weight gain and loss.
Observe if she avoids friends, family, and social activities. Often, anorexia is accompanied by depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, especially in young women. She might decline to participate in activities she once enjoyed or avoid meeting people she was previously excited to see, such as friends or family.
