Eating Disorder Warning Signs

Do you think someone you know has an eating disorder? Perhaps a family member or friend? Don't be uninformed. Eating disorders can be one of the most troubling illnesses. Be familiar with the warning signs. Remember early professional intervention from a health care provider experienced in treating eating disorders holds the best hope for successful treatment.

Anorexia warning signs

• Loss of a significant amount of weight
• Continuing to diet when thin
• Feeling fat even after losing weight
• Intense fear of weight gain
• Loss of monthly menstrual periods
• Preoccupation with food, calories, fat content and nutrition
• Preferring to diet in isolation
• Cooking for others but not eating the food
• Hair loss
• Cold hands and feet
• Fainting spells
• Exercising compulsively
• Lying about food
• Depression and anxiety
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Periods of hyperactivity
• Constipation
• Heart tremors
• Dry, brittle skin
• Shortness of breath

Bulimia warning signs

• Eating uncontrollably
• Purging by strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise or vomiting
• Abusing laxatives or diuretics
• Using the bathroom frequently after meals
• Preoccupation with body weight
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Feeling out of control
• Swollen glands in neck and face
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Irregular periods
• Dental problems
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Sore throat
• Vomiting blood
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Bloodshot eyes

Binge eating disorder warning signs

• Episodes of binge eating
• Eating when not physically hungry
• Frequent dieting
• Feeling unable to stop eating voluntarily
• Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal
• Weight fluctuations
• Depressed mood
• Feeling ashamed
• Antisocial behavior
• Obesity

External Sources The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders The National Eating Disorders Association

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

Search