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
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External Sources
 | The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
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| The National Eating Disorders Association
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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