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• The development of abnormal eating habits such as severe dieting, preference for strange foods, withdrawn or ritualized behavior at mealtime, or secretive binging.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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