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: [email protected] Twitter: @PookyH
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