This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011. This article has been viewed 665,226 times.

X

To tell if someone you know is anorexic, keep an eye out for common habits associated with the condition and any changes to their mental state. Since someone with anorexia fears gaining weight, they may refuse to eat certain types of food, like carbs, or not eat altogether. They might also talk a lot about food, usually in a negative way, which may be a sign that they're obsessed with food and calories. If you’re with them at mealtimes, they might give you excuses for not eating. For example, they'll say they don’t like any of the food available or claim to be sick. You might also notice them experiencing sharp mood swings due to changes in their hormones, and they could show signs of depression or anxiety. Remember that anorexia is a serious condition that can be life-threatening, so you should encourage the person to seek professional help if you believe they have it. For tips on how to learn more about eating disorders so you can support a loved one with anorexia, keep reading.