A summary of commonly seen symptoms in people suffering with anorexia nervosa. Designed to provide basic information and as the basis for awareness raising sessions with e.g. parents, students or school staff. There is also an accompanying video and factsheet see: http://www.inourhands.com/anorexia-symptoms-guide/

1. ANOREXIA
SYMPTOMS
DR POOKY KNIGHTSMITH

2. WEIGHT LOSS
• Aim to keep weight below minimum for their height
• Despite low weight, aim to lose more
• Weight loss continues despite health dangers

3. THINK THEY’RE FAT
• Distorted view of their shape
• Even when very thin, consider themselves fat

4. FEAR OF EATING AND WEIGHT GAIN
The thought of eating can induce physical symptoms
of panic e.g. nausea, panic attacks

5. WEIGHT INFLUENCES SELF-EVALUATION
• Weight gain (however small) results in low mood
• Judge themselves by their weight
• Think others do too

6. LOSS OF PERIODS
Periods may become irregular or stop altogether
due to excessive weight loss

7. CALORIE COUNTING
• May know the calorie content of many foods
• May set a daily calorie limit
• Will feel ashamed if they eat more than they’re
‘allowed’

8. HYPERACTIVITY
• Sport and exercise to burn calories
• May constantly walk, fidget, refuse to sit down

9. SYMPTOMS SUMMARY
• Weight loss
• Restricted eating
• Skipping meals
• Strange behaviour
• Calorie counting
• Baggy clothing
• Layers of clothing
• Can’t focus in class
• Weight Loss
• Think They’re Fat
• Fear of Eating and Weight Gain
• Weight Influences Self-Evaluation
• Loss of Periods
• Calorie Counting
• Hyperactivity

10. Need more support?
Dr Pooky Knightsmith specialises in mental health and emotional
well-being in the school setting. She can provide training sessions
or workshops for school staff, parents or students on a variety of
topics.
For further information and free resources visit
www.inourhands.com
Email: pooky@inourhands.com
Twitter: @PookyH