ANOREXIA

SYMPTOMS

DR POOKY KNIGHTSMITH

WEIGHT LOSS

• Aim to keep weight below minimum for their height

• Despite low weight, aim to lose more

• Weight loss continues despite health dangers

THINK THEY’RE FAT

• Distorted view of their shape

• Even when very thin, consider themselves fat

FEAR OF EATING AND WEIGHT GAIN

The thought of eating can induce physical symptoms

of panic e.g. nausea, panic attacks

WEIGHT INFLUENCES SELF-EVALUATION

• Weight gain (however small) results in low mood

• Judge themselves by their weight

• Think others do too

LOSS OF PERIODS

Periods may become irregular or stop altogether

due to excessive weight loss

CALORIE COUNTING

• May know the calorie content of many foods

• May set a daily calorie limit

• Will feel ashamed if they eat more than they’re

‘allowed’

HYPERACTIVITY

• Sport and exercise to burn calories

• May constantly walk, fidget, refuse to sit down

SYMPTOMS SUMMARY

• Weight loss

• Restricted eating

• Skipping meals

• Strange behaviour

• Calorie counting

• Baggy clothing

• Layers of clothing

• Can’t focus in class

• Weight Loss

• Think They’re Fat

• Fear of Eating and Weight Gain

• Weight Influences Self-Evaluation

• Loss of Periods

• Calorie Counting

• Hyperactivity

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