A Belfast nutritionist has detailed the warning signs of eating disorders and the health consequences for women who do not consume enough energy.

Lee McCusker, a registered nutritionist, said adolescent girls sometimes experiment with diets or skip meals as they explore their identity, and social media can have a negative influence. Disordered eating can affect growth and development during these years.

He provided calorie guidance, stating a ten-year-old girl should consume around 1,900 calories daily, increasing by roughly 100 calories per year to 2,400 at age 15. Most adult women need about 2,000 calories daily, though physical activity levels can raise that figure.

Failure to take in enough energy due to fear of weight gain can lead to disordered eating and eventually conditions such as anorexia or bulimia. Low body fat resulting from these disorders can disrupt the menstrual cycle and fertility.

McCusker said reduced oestrogen production from menstrual disturbances can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis, because oestrogen aids calcium absorption.

Warning signs he listed included an obsession with losing weight, self-induced vomiting after meals, secretive eating, lying about eating habits, irregular periods, a puffy or swollen face, and frequent sore throats or infections.

He advised that anyone showing these signs should seek help from an eating disorder specialist or dietitian.