Symptoms and how to help

* Anorexia and bulimia both share "warning signs" of extreme concern about weight and body shape, and withdrawal from usual friends and activities.

* Other warning signs of bulimia include discoloration of the teeth, unusual swelling in cheek and jaw area and repeated use of the bathroom after eating.

* Warning signs of anorexia are dramatic weight loss, intense fear of becoming fat, preoccupation with food and mood swings.

* If you think that a friend or family may be suffering with an eating disorder, remember to be patient with them, and do not tell them what they must and must not do. If they do not seek help, tell somebody you can trust, for example a teacher or parent. Hopefully, the person with the eating disorder will be taken to a hospital and will receive the needed attention to recover, from nutritionists, psychiatrists and counselors.