Anorexia affects both females and males but is more common in females. It usually starts from adolescence or from the early to mid twenties. People start dieting because they think they are overweight or aren't happy with their body.

Normally people get it because they have an intense fear of becoming fat and their dieting habits develop from this fear. As they start dieting and see themselves losing weight they become more obsessed with what they eat. People suffering from anorexia can think that by eating they have failed themselves.

No one is a hundred percent certain on what causes the development of anorexia but some people suggest it may be because:

• They want to have the perfect body or strive for perfection
• There is a family history of eating disorders
• They struggle to express their emotions (such as anger) so they take it out on themselves
• Low self esteem
• Magazines and TV suggesting that thin people are attractive or that fat people aren't

• Starvation
• Lack of sex drive
• Headaches
• Loss of menstrual periods
• Problems with the heart, either slow rate or abnormal rhythms
• Weak bones
• Bloating and constipation

The fact that you have recognised you may have a problem is a very positive step forward. Have a chat with your doctor about how you’re feeling, what you're thinking and any troubles you may have. This might sound like a massively scary thing to do, but please remember your doctor is there to help, it's all confidential and they won't judge you at all, they will have met a lot of people that are going through what you are – all they will do is help you out.

When you speak to the doctor discuss with them whether you can see a clinical psychologist so that they go over "talking therapies" with you like CBT.

In the meantime you may want to Chat to a Buddy, or check out our Treatments and Self Help sections, try to take little steps everyday to make yourself feel better.