There are different types of eating disorders and they can affect a person physically, mentally and socially. Symptoms will vary between sufferers, and a person might have symptoms from more than one type.

The most common types are:

Anorexia nervosa:

is when someone tries to keep their weight as low as possible, for example by starving themselves or exercising excessively.

Warning signs: severe weight loss, weighing themselves all the time, difficulty sleeping, stomach pains and dizziness, wanting to be left alone, wearing baggy clothes, excessive exercising, lying about eating meals, difficulty concentrating and wanting to be in control.

Bulimia:

is when someone tries to control their weight by uncontrollably eating food, then nothing at all (binging), then making themselves sick or using tablets that make them go toilet (laxatives).

Warning signs: eating large quantities of food, being secretive, using laxatives, stomach pains, mouth infections, smelly breath, sore throats or swollen glands, difficulty sleeping, feeling guilty after eating.

Binge eating:

is when someone feels that they have to over eat.

Warning signs: weight gain, eating loads of food or eating rubbish food, being secretive.

Look out for the warning signs - if your friend becomes secretive or you notice a big change in what they eat, then they may need help.