Symptoms of anorexia
There are various ways of spotting the illness; however, attention should be drawn to the following:
- Refusal to keep to a weight equal to or greater than the minimum recommended according to age and height.
- A significant weight loss and a feeling of being obese despite being thin.
- A reduction in food consumption, especially foods which contain higher amounts of fat or calories.
- Those affected become increasingly introverted and distance themselves from their social circle.
- Aggressiveness, sadness and isolation from family and friends.
- Judging their life in terms of personal image, beauty or success, amongst other aspects
- Difficulty in maintaining concentration, particular in school.
- Tendency to eat alone.
- Excessive increase in physical exercise.
- Consumption of diuretics and laxatives.
- Irregular periods or a complete loss of periods.
- Cold, constipation.
Symptoms of bulimia
There are various ways of spotting the illness; however, attention should be drawn to the following:
- Bingeing or eating uncontrollably, for periods that may last as long as several hours.
- A feeling of not being able to stop eating.
- Going on fasts or very strict diets in order to compensate for having previously eaten too much food.
- Inducing vomiting and not admitting it.
- Having a seemingly healthy appearance, which makes it more difficult to detect the illness.
- Abuse of laxatives and diuretics.
- Frequent visits to the toilet after eating.
- Anxiety about own weight.
- Irregular periods.
- Dental problems.
- Mood swings and easily detected depression
Contact details and information
- The Spanish Federation of Associations against Anorexia and Bulimia (FEACAB)
- Website: www.feacab.org
Print