What it is
Low weight and poor nutrition affect the heart, bones, hormones and brain, which is why physical monitoring is part of care.
Treatment usually includes specialist talking therapies, help to return to healthy eating and weight, and regular physical checks. For young people, family-based therapy is often used.
Common signs
- Eating very little, skipping meals, strict rules about food
- Excessive exercise
- Weight loss, missed periods, feeling cold, dizziness
- Seeing yourself as larger than you are
How it is usually diagnosed
- An assessment by a GP and an eating disorder service
- Weight, height, blood pressure and heart rate
- Blood tests and an ECG to check the effects of malnutrition
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Assessment letters and care plans from eating disorder services
- Weight and physical check results over time
- Blood test and ECG results
- Bone density scans if done
Questions to ask your doctor
- What treatment do you recommend, and how long does it usually take?
- How will my physical health be monitored?
- How can my family help?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fainting, chest pain or a very slow or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or severe weakness
- Thoughts of harming yourself
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.