Anorexia Nervosa

What is anorexia nervosa?

• Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening psychological illness characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss

• People with anorexia nervosa have intense fears of becoming fat and see themselves as fat even though they are not

• About 90% of people with anorexia are females

• Anorexia nervosa typically starts in adolescence with dieting that gets out of control

Who gets anorexia nervosa?

• People with anorexia nervosa tend to be high achievers, perform well in school, sports, work and other activities

• 90% of people with anorexia nervosa are females

• The risk of developing an eating disorder are greater in people whose weight or appearance is important such as gymnasts, dancers and models

What are the physical signs of anorexia

nervosa?

• Loss of periods• Weight loss without any illness that

would account for it• Visible bones• Dry skin• Fainting• Lanugo – growth of fine hair all over the

body• Always feeling cold• Thinning hair

Anorexia affects your whole body

What are the psychological signs of anorexia nervosa?

• Thinking and talking a lot about body image, body weight and food

• Unrealistic belief about getting fat• Extreme fear of gaining weight or eating• Becoming irritable and withdrawn from

friends and family• Being sensitive to criticism• Having difficulty concentrating• Having problems with relationships

What are the behavioral signs of anorexia nervosa?

• Cutting out food which were once enjoyed• Excessive exercising• Induced vomiting• Eating very slowly• Avoiding social situations that involve food• Wearing loose fitting clothes to hide

weight loss• Only eating certain types and amounts of

food

“I think I have anorexia nervosa”

• Getting help quickly is important• It is important to be open and honest

about your feelings and behaviours• The recovery process is different for

every person and may be long or short

“I think my friend has anorexia nervosa”

• If you suspect your friend has anorexia the first thing to do is let your friend know you are worried about them and that you care

• You can encourage them to seek professional help and offer to go with them to the appointment for support

• You can get help from your school councellor, GP, psychologist, or mental health worker

Why don’t people get help?

• I prefer to manage the problem myself

• I don’t believe anything could help• I don’t know where to get help• I am worried about what other

people might think

Remember…

• People come in all shapes and sizes• Most models don’t really look like

they do in magazines – many photos are digitally altered or airbrushed

• An unhealthy body image can damage your self esteem

• Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness that needs treatment

Where can I get help?

• Talk to your family, friends, school councelor, GP, psychologist or check out these websites for information and places to get help

• Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au

• Recovery is possible for everyone (RIPE) http://www.recoveryispossible.com.au

• Headspace www.headspace.org.au