Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

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Below I briefly list some signs and symptoms of the three most prevalent Eating Disorders.  You don't have to exhibit all of these behaviors to have an Eating Disorder.  Additionally, you may have experiences or behaviors that are not listed here.  If you or someone you know exhibits these or similar behaviors, please seek help.
 
 
Anorexia Nervosa
  • Low body weight
  • Loss of menses in women
  • Eats very little and often eats alone
  • Eats only "safe" foods
  • Becomes socially withdrawn
  • Constantly thinks about what s/he will/will not eat
  • Becomes moodier (more irritable, depressed)
  • Sees self as heavier than s/he is
  • Wears baggy/oversized clothes
  • Exercises for hours a day
  • Development of fine hair on face/torso
Bulimia Nervosa
  • Binges on food (eating large amounts in a short time) in secret
  • Tries to compensate for binge by purging (vomiting, laxatives), fasting or overexercising
  • Spends time planning binges, thinking about what to eat
  • Weight might vary by 10-15 lbs. within a couple of weeks
  • Swollen glands ("chipmunk cheeks")
  • Eating mostly "diet" foods in public
  • Socially withdraws
  • Is unhappy with weight
  • Spends significant amounts of money on binge food
  • Exercises for hours a day
  • Mood swings
Binge Eating Disorder
  • Binges on food (eating large amounts in a short period of time) in secret
  • Does not compensate for binges by purging, fasting or overexercising
  • Tends to be overweight
  • Bingeing feels comforting in the moment but feels shameful afterwards
  • Binges interfere with work or social life
  • Spends lots of time planning out binges and/or thinking about food
  • Spends significant amounts of money on binge food
  • Eats mostly "diet" foods in public

For more information or to make an appointment, please call Suzanne at (805) 895-4104