Warning Signs of Major Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa (Self-Imposed Starvation):
Common warning signs include continuing weight loss (losing 15 percent or more of ideal body weight); the patient continues to restrict food even though not overweight; has distorted body image; is preoccupied with food, calories, nutrition or cooking; denies hunger; exercises obsessively; weighs frequently; loses hair or begins to experience thinning hair; stops menstruating; feels cold even though the temperature is normal or only slightly cool.
Bulimia Nervosa (Out-of-Control Eating Followed by Purging):
Red flags include binge eating that cannot be voluntarily stopped; patient reacts to emotional stress by eating; feels guilty or ashamed about eating; is obsessively concerned about weight; attempts to adhere to diets but typically fails; uses the bathroom frequently after meals; feels out of control; has depressive moods; experiences frequent weight fluctuations; has swollen glands; has menstrual irregularities.
Binge Eating Disorder (Compulsive Overeating):
Typically the binge is followed by periods of depression. The warning signs include eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry; eating more rapidly than normal; eating to a point of feeling uncomfortably full; often eating alone; having feelings of depression, disgust or guilt after eating; having a history of marked weight fluctuations.
Source: The Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders
December 2007 Tags:None
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