Warning Signs
of an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are extreme expressions of a range of
weight and food issues experienced by both men and women. They include anorexia
nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive overeating. All are serious emotional
problems that can have life-threatening consequences.
Technically speaking, the "eating" in eating disorder refers to a
set of eating habits, weight management practices and attitudes about weight
and body shape. The "disorder" means that the eating-related
attitudes and behaviors result in (a) loss of self-control and other forms of
behavioral inefficiency, (b) obsession, anxiety, guilt, and other forms of
misery, (c) alienation from self and others, and (d) physiological imbalances
which are potentially life-threatening.
What are the Warning Signs?
- A marked increase or decrease in weight not related to a medical condition.
- The development of abnormal eating habits such as severe dieting,
preference for strange foods, withdrawn or ritualized behavior at mealtime, or
secretive binging.
- An intense preoccupation with weight and body image.
- Compulsive or excessive exercising.
- Self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting, or laxative, diet pill, or
diuretic abuse.
- Feelings of isolation, depression, or irritability
Food behaviors
The person skips meals, takes only tiny portions, will not eat in front of
other people, eats in ritualistic ways, and mixes strange food combinations.
Grocery shops and cooks for the entire household, but will not eat the tasty
meals. Always has an excuse not to eat: is not hungry, just ate with a friend,
is feeling ill, is upset, and so forth.
Becomes "disgusted" with former favorite foods like red meat and
desserts. Will eat only a few "safe" foods. Boasts about how healthy
the meals she/he does consume are. Always has a diet soda in hand. Drastically
reduces or completely eliminates fat intake. Reads food labels religiously. If
she/he breaks self-imposed rigid discipline and eats normal or large portions,
excuses self from the table to vomit and get rid of the calories.
Or, in contrast to the above, the person gorges, usually in secret, and
empties cupboards and refrigerator. May also buy special binge food. If
panicked about weight gain, may purge to get rid of the calories. May leave
clues that suggest discovery is desired: empty boxes, cans, and food packages;
foul smelling bathrooms; running water to cover sounds of vomiting; excessive
use of mouthwash and breath mints; and in some cases, containers of vomit
poorly hidden that invite discovery.
Sometimes the person uses laxatives, diet pills, water pills, or
"natural" products from health food stores to promote weight loss.
Appearance & Body Image Behaviors
The person loses, or tries to lose, weight. Has frantic fears of weight gain
and obesity. Wears baggy clothes, sometimes in layers, to hide fat, hide
emaciation, and stay warm. Obsesses about clothing size. Complains that she/he
is fat even though others truthfully say this is not so. She/he will not
believe them.
Spends lots of time inspecting self in the mirror and usually finds
something to criticize. Detests all or specific parts of the body, especially
breasts, belly, thighs, and buttocks. Insists she/he cannot feel good about
self unless she/he is thin, and she/he is never thin enough to satisfy
her/himself.
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