What should I do?

See your GP without delay.

If the person continues to deteriorate and you are concerned, ask your GP for a referral to the eating disorder service closest to you. There are eating disorder services run by the public health system in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. However there are only inpatient facilities in Wellington and Christchurch and in Auckland there are only inpatient facilities for under 16 year olds. (Please refer to section on "where to get help" for more information).

However, if the person deteriorates quickly do not patiently wait for your appointment with the Eating Disorder Services. Children, especially those under 14 years of age, can deteriorate very quickly. Get back to your GP and demand some action as this illness is serious and life threatening. People with serious eating disorders should be monitiored once a week by a GP.For more information on where to get help, refer to "Where can I get help and information?".