Anorexia Warning Signs

Dr Pooky Knightsmith

WHAT IS AN EATING DISORDER?

• 3 major types • Food and weight as a way of

coping• Serious mental health issue• ANYONE can be affected• Not all about appearances• Low self-esteem

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

• Low weight

• Fear of weight gain

• Influence of shape & weight

• Periods may stop in girls

The thinner I got, the fatter I felt. I would look in the mirror and cry as I saw this ugly whale

looking back at me

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Weight Loss(may be cleverly hidden…)

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Restricted EatingMay cut out entire food groups – e.g. become vegetarian

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Skipping Meals

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Strange BehaviourCalorie Counting

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Baggy ClothingLayers of Clothes

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

IsolationDistances themselves from friends

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Avoiding PE to avoid weight loss detection

or exercising hard to lose weight

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Dizziness due to low blood sugar

Blue Hands due to cold

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Lifeless HairBrittle Nails due to poor nutrition

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Chewing GumTo take mind off or replace food

ANOREXIA WARNING SIGNS

Can’t focus on School Work consumed with thoughts of food

WARNING SIGNS SUMMARY

• Weight loss• Restricted eating• Skipping meals• Strange behaviour• Calorie counting• Baggy clothing• Layers of clothing• Can’t focus in class

• Avoiding PE• Over-exercising• Dizziness &

fainting• Blue hands• Lifeless hair• Brittle nails• Chewing gum

Need more support?

Dr Pooky Knightsmith specialises in mental health and emotional well-being in the school setting. She can provide training sessions or workshops for school staff, parents or students on a variety of topics.

For further information and free resources visit www.inourhands.com

Email: pooky@inourhands.com Twitter: @PookyH