Anorexia..?!
Question:
Anorexia..?
My friend is counting calories all the time, she runs for about an hour a day every day, and only eats a few bites at dinner and thats it all day, should i be worried?
Answers:
how to recognize anorexia:
-eating tiny portions, refuse to eat and deny they are hungry
-show abnormal weight loss - as much as 15% or more of body weight - a large weigh loss in short time
-act hyperactive, depressed, moody or insecure
-have an intense fear of being fat
-see themselves as fat, wanting to lose more weight, even if they are tiny
-exercise excessively and compulsively
-suffer from constipation or irregular menstrual periods
-develop fine, downy hair on their arms and face
-complain of nausea or bloating after eating normal amounts of food
-binge-eat, then purge, perhaps by vomiting or using laxatives or diuretics
if you suspect a friend has anorexia dont wait until a severe weight problem or a serious medical problem proves you are right - speak to the person about your concerns, talk to his/her family, friends, social workers, school nurses etc.
the best treatment combines medical, psychological and nutrition counseling.