If you or someone you care about exhibits any of the following behaviors, he or she may have an eating disorder known as anorexia nervosa. A healthcare professional can make an official diagnosis. If left untreated, anorexia nervosa can be fatal.

Know the warning signs:

• Dramatic weight loss
• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting
• Refusal to eat certain foods
• Comments about feeling “fat” or overweight, despite weight loss
• Anxiety about weight gain or being “fat”
• Denial of hunger
• Development of food rituals. For example, eating foods in a certain order, excessive chewing, or rearranging food on a plate.
• Consistent excuses to avoid meals or situations involving food
• Excessive or rigid exercise regimen
• Withdrawal from usual friends and activities