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

The Spanish Federation of Associations against Anorexia and Bulimia (FEACAB)
Website: www.feacab.org