Anorexia nervosa 

Anorexia is a mental illness and eating disorder that causes it's sufferers to aim for a low body weight. Sufferers may try to lose weight in a number of ways, including calorie restriction, over-exercising, taking laxatives or making themselves vomit. 

Sufferers will usually have a distorted view of how they look and believe they are too heavy, even if they are very thin. 

Signs and symptoms of anorexia can include:

• avoiding eating or not eating much
• thinking about food a lot 
• avoiding certain foods
• believing you are overweight even if you aren't
• hair loss
• feeling dizzy/ light headed
• dry skin
• excessive exercising
• forced vomiting
• using laxatives
• periods stopping.

If you suspect your child might have anorexia, look for these signs:

• Food avoidance/ restriction of food intake or portion size
• Dramatic weight loss
• Avoiding eating around other people
• Eating slowly, moving food around the plate or cutting it into small pieces
• Wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide weight loss
• Missing meals
• Irritability
• Excessive exercising
• Withdrawing from family or socially
• Vomiting or using laxatives. 

If you suspect you or your child may have an eating disorder, seek help as soon as possible as it is important for making a full recovery. Contact your GP to get an appointment. They will ask about your/ your child's eating habits and check blood pressure and weight. Your child may be reluctant to get help, but reassure them that you're there to support them and help them feel better.

Your family GP can make a referral to specialists who can help. Therapy is the main treatment for anorexia.

If you'd like to talk to someone urgently, you can click here to access BEAT Eating Disorders helpline or online support.