| Below are signs and symptoms that
are frequently identified with eating disorders (Anorexia,
Bulimia, Compulsive Overeating, and Food Addiction).
DO NOT use these lists as a self-diagnostic tool. If
you believe that you, or someone you care about, is
suffering from an eating disorder, contact your doctor
or Turning Point for a free evaluation.
Warning signs of an Eating Disorder:
» A preoccupation with food and weight (i.e. counting
calories, excessive dieting, frequent weighing of self)
» "Feels fat" when weight is normal or even
below normal
» Perceives body shape of being different than it really
is
» Guilt and shame about eating (not wanting to eat in
front of others)
» Hoarding food
» Use of laxatives, diuretics, purging
» Evidence of binge-eating
» Excessive exercise
» Emotional changes (irritability, social withdrawal,
depression)
» Extreme concern about appearance
» Over sensitivity to criticism of any kind
» A need for perfection
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Specific signs of Anorexia Nervosa:
» Significant weight loss without medical illness
» Significant reduction in eating along with a denial
of hunger
» Dieting (even though at or below normal weight level)
» Restricting food
» Loss of menstrual cycle
» Unusual food rituals
» Social withdrawal
» Fatigue
» Dry, brittle hair
» Feeling of being constantly cold
» Obsession with calorie and fat content of food
» Cooking for others but not eating themselves
» Depression, irritability, mood swings
» Wearing baggy clothes to hide weight
» Frequently checking weight on scale
» Fainting spells and/or dizziness
» Headaches
» Pale (pasty) complexion
» Evidence of vomiting, laxative abuse, diet pills,
or diuretics to control weight
» Intense fear of gaining weight
» Constipation
» Hair loss
» Growth of fine body hair on arm, legs, and other body
parts
» Dry, brittle skin
» Shortness of breath
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Specific signs of Bulimia Nervosa:
» Evidence of binge-eating
» Hoarding or stealing of food
» Frequent weight fluctuations
» Evidence of purging (laxatives, diuretics, Ipecac,
etc)
» Swelling of parotid glands under jaw (caused by frequent
vomiting)
» Frequent dental problems; tooth decay
» Irregular heartbeat
» Avoidance of restaurants and planned meals
» Complaints of sore throat
» Frequently visits bathroom after meals
» Broken capillaries in face
» Fasting or extreme diets
» Severe self-criticism
» Fatigue
» Feeling out of control
» Bloodshot eyes
» Irregular menstrual cycle
» Preoccupation with weight
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Specific signs of Compulsive Overeating/Food
Addiction:
» Binge eating
» Fear of not being able to stop eating
» Depression
» Withdrawing from activities because of shame re: weight
» Going on many different diets
» Eating little in public yet maintaining a high weight
» Believing they will be a better person when thin
» Feelings of self based on weight
» Social and professional failures attributed to weight
» Feeling tormented by weight
» Weight is the focus of life
» Eats when not hungry
» Awareness that eating patterns are self-destructive
but does not stop
» Feelings of shame and resentment around weight
» Obesity
» Antisocial behavior
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