Increasing numbers of teenagers are saying 'I want to be anorexic.' Is your friend one of them?

The words 'I want to be anorexic' are increasingly being spoken by teenagers.What this really means is 'I want to be thin.' As increasing numbers of celebrities are falling prey to the eating disorder anorexia it is becoming harder to know where the line must be drawn between thinness and anorexia.

It is not always easy to tell if someone has an eating disorder. Of course, if your friend says, 'I want to be anorexic' you can be pretty sure there's a problem! But many sufferers are very secretive, and will go to great lengths to hide what they are doing, and feeling, from everyone else.

Also, they often have a normal weight - it's a myth that all anorexics are stick thin.

If you suspect that your friend may be suffering from an eating disorder but are not sure, check out the page on signs and symptoms.

But as well as looking for the classic signs and symptoms of eating disorders it is also important to know that low self esteem is at the root of any eating disorder.

It is often easier to spot the symptoms of low self esteem than other signs of an eating disorder. Your friend may wish to hide the fact that she has anorexia, bulimia or binge disorder, but it is much harder to hide the symptoms of low self esteem.

Be aware that it is unhealthy to want to change our physical appearance. Having healthy self esteem means being content with all aspects of ourselves.If someone needs to lose weight because their are medically overweight, that's one thing. But if somebody is a healthy weight and says 'I want to go on a diet,' or 'I want to be anorexic' that pretty much amounts to the same thing.Both mean, 'I'm unhappy with the way I am.'

Click here for information on the symptoms of low self esteem

What can you do?

If your friend has some of these symptoms, or even if she hasn't and you are concerned because maybe she's always on a diet, or you just feel that something is wrong, you must tell an adult who you can trust.

Is there a counseling service at your school?

Can you talk to a parent?

Your doctor?

Your friend is in trouble, and in need of professional help.

Your friendship will be of great value to her, but being a good friend does not mean keeping her secret for her.

Eating disorders have a dangerous impact on the body and even sometimes lead to death.

Even diets are dangerous, and people often start by going on a diet and end up with an eating disorder.

Take it seriously, and act now.