Dear motoxchick,

Yes, eating disorders like anorexia can affect people later in life if they're not treated — they can lead to liver damage, heart failure, and bone loss, among other things. Some warning signs of anorexia include extreme thinness, deliberate self-starvation, compulsive exercise, extreme fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.

It's good that you're concerned about your friend — this can be a really tough situation. If someone has an eating disorder, it is a good idea for someone to try to talk to her about it, in a way that's supportive and informative, but not confrontational — something like, "I care about you a lot, and I'm a little worried. I noticed you haven't been eating much. I don't want to be nosy, but can we talk about this?" People with eating disorders need to know about the damage they're doing to they're bodies.

Friends shouldn't try to take this on by themselves. They shouldn't be shy about sharing their concerns with an adult, like a school counselor, who may be able to intervene.

Most anorexic people will probably need professional intervention, and treatment for anorexia can be successful. The first step is getting helpful counseling. Many Planned Parenthood centers can provide referrals for counseling. People needing referrals can call 1-800-230-PLAN to be connected with the nearest clinic.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.