Untimely Brittany Murphy death - Was there an eating disorder?

Sadly yesterday we lost a beautiful young actress.  According to The Today Show this morning, many were questioning her extremely thin  appearances.  Many friends, celebrities and others send out their condolences via Twitter. 

People Magazine recently reported today (Monday 12/21/09):

She appeared to be skinnier than ever, but at her final public event - just weeks before her Dec. 20 death - Brittany Murphy beamed for the cameras as she gushed about her family and spoke of wanting to have a baby.

Although her death is being ruled of natural causes, this can be a time to talk to your kids about eating disorders including anorexia.  Tragedy can lead to an opportunity to open up the lines of communication with your teens or someone you may suspect of having an eating disorder.  This is not saying that Brittany Murphy did, however her extremely thin latest appearances are raising questions.

According to National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders (ANAD) here are some warning signs you need to learn about.  Remember, many teens (especially girls) are extremely concerned about their body image. Be an educated parent.

Ten Warning Signs

• Deliberate self-starvation with weight loss
• Intense, persistent fear of gaining weight
• Refusal to eat or highly restrictive eating
• Continuous dieting
• Excessive facial/body hair because of inadequate protein in the diet
• Compulsive exercise
• Abnormal weight loss
• Sensitivity to cold
• Absent or irregular menstruation
• Hair loss

Learn more at ANAD.  Learn more about Eating Disorders. Learn about Body Image.

 Read the Tweets that celebs sent out yesterday. Click here.

Be an educated parent, you will have safer and healthier children.

Read about Teens and Body Image - click here.