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