How do I know if my friend is anorexic?

Answer 1

Someone who suffers from anorexia MAY have the following symptoms:

Reduced interest in social activities

Refusal to eat in public

Calorie counting

Dramatic weight loss/low weight/refusal to gain weight if underweight

Fear of gaining weight

Obsessed with food but refuses to eat a sustainable amount

Constantly looking in the mirror

Poor body image

Admires how underweight people look

Feels fat constantly

Brittle hair/nails

Constantly ill

Secretive and socially withdrawn

Weak and tired all the time

Only eats certain food and 'bans' themself from certain foods

Has a strict food routine/pattern that must be followed every day

No longer getting a period

Lies about what they eat

Feeling of worthlessness and self hatred

Not all of these apply to every person with anorexia, but most of them will apply. Remember that anorexia is on the inside, not the outside. It is impossible to know if somebody has an eating disorder by looking at them; talking to them is important if you are worried.

Answer 2

Somebody suffering anorexia should be trying to eat 3 small balanced meals a day and gradually build up to a healthy diet, celery diet drinks and spinach are the least things they need!