Signs of eating disorders

The Nemours Foundation, ANAD, and other eating-disorders experts list a number of common signs associated with each type of eating disorder. One of the most recognizable and common symptoms of anorexia is a significant amount of weight loss. When anorexia occurs at a young age, when someone is still growing, he or she may not lose any weight at all. For that person, the fact that he or she hasn't gained weight is a symptom of anorexia. Doctors suspecting anorexia look for a patient's weight to be at least 15 percent below his or her healthy body weight.

People with anorexia are often unable to eat very much in a sitting, and they may have stomach pain, heartburn, constipation, and, if they vomit often, tooth decay. They usually feel cold all the time, and may also experience fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, and low blood pressure. (Blood pressure refers to the pressure of the blood on the blood vessels, and when it is lower than normal, it can cause feel­ings of lightheartedness.) The hair on their head may get thinner and baby fine hair may appear on their face and arms. Female anorexics commonly lose their menstrual periods. Difficulty concentrating and depression are symptoms that also go along with anorexia.

People with bulimia have some of the same symptoms as anorexics, including fatigue, depression, digestive problems that cause stomach pain, heartburn and constipation, and the loss of menstrual periods.

Tooth decay and swollen salivary glands are common symptoms for bulimics because they vomit so often. Anxiety and difficulty sleeping are more symptoms associated with bulimia.

One of the most common symptoms of binge-eating disorder is weight gain. However, sometimes binge-eaters have periods in which they don't overeat and therefore don't have obvious weight gain. Other symptoms associated with binge-eating disorder are stomach pain, internal bleeding, and high blood pressure.

Certain behavioral changes may be a sign of an eating disorder. If someone suddenly acquires unusual eating habits, refuses certain foods or types of foods, or eats fewer meals with family and friends,
an eating disorder may be the reason. The compulsive need to weigh food and measure out portions, the tendency to check weight several times a day, and excessive exercising are other signs of a problem.

Secretive behavior is also a sign of an eating disorder. Often people with eating disorders become alienated from friends and family and ignore everyday activities as they retreat further into the eating, dieting, and exercising rituals.