Knowing the warning signs of anorexia can help parents to aid their child in receiving treatment before the disease progresses to dangerous levels.

No parent wants to believe that her child could be suffering from an eating disorder, but each year thousands of children, teens and young adults are diagnosed with eating disorders such as anorexia. Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes a person to starve him or herself. Anorexia tends to develop in young people (especially girls, but not always) who have a need for some control in their life. If your child is under a great deal of stress in his or her academic or personal life, it could signal susceptibility to anorexia. 

Anorexia is not always easy to recognize because many young people are concerned about their weight without suffering from the disease. If you have any concern at all, it is important to talk to your child and possibly seek professional help. Knowing the warning signs of anorexia can help parents to aid their child in receiving treatment before the disease progresses to dangerous levels.

Weight Loss
This can be an indicator of anorexia, but many girls with anorexia do not have extreme weight loss. However, if your child loses weight suddenly or dramatically, you should be concerned about anorexia.

Obsession With  Food
People with anorexia are obsessed with food. Although they restrict what they eat, food consumes them. They may eat very small portions or eat unusual food combinations.  They may be preoccupied with calories or cooking. Look out for teens and young adults who always have an excuse as to why they’re not eating . Another warning sign of anorexia is someone who is constantly drinking diet soda. 

Distorted Body Image
A major indicator of anorexia is that a young girl does not see her body as it truly is. She may think that she is fat, even if she’s far from it. She may particularly hate one area of her body, such as her stomach or thighs. People with anorexia are never satisfied with their body, no matter how thin they get. Many young women with anorexia weigh themselves frequently as well.

Emotions
Some people with anorexia have trouble discussing their feelings or brush off concerns others have about their health with simple excuses. They may be moody and respond to confrontation with extreme actions, such as bursts of anger or withdrawal. 

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