An eating disorder can be very dangerous, but people with Anorexia generally deny they have a problem. A general overview of the signs and symptoms of anorexia include:
- Weight loss of 15% or greater below the expected weight
- Inappropriate use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics (water pills) in an effort to lose weight
- Self-imposed food intake restrictions, often hidden
- Absence of menstruation
- Skeletal muscle atrophy
- Loss of fatty tissue
- Low blood pressure
- Dental cavities may be present with self-induced vomiting
- Blotchy or yellow skin
- Depression may be present in addition to the eating disorder
- Most individuals with anorexia nervosa refuse to recognize that they have an eating disorder (denial)
For a detailed look at these and other symptoms, click here to visit the ANRED web site (Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc.).
One tool helpful to determine a person's true body condition is the BMI or Body Mass Index. The BMI is a measure of a person's weight in relation to their height. To find out your BMI, click here and scroll down to the BMI calculator.
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