Warning Signs For Eating Disorders
Anorexia
- Refusal to maintain normal body weight for age and height
- Weighing 85% less than expected for age and height
- Fear of gaining weight and being fat
- Denial of low weight and physical dangers due to low weight
- Feeling large/fat when very thin
- Irregular or no menstrual cycle Irritability, depression, or isolative behaviors
- Unusual eating habits or rituals with food
Bulimia
- Bingeing/purging occurs more than two times per week for at least three months
- Purging through one or more of the following: vomiting, laxatives, exercise
- Often dieting when not bingeing
- Weighing within more normal range
- Feeling out of control while eating
- Low self-esteem and distorted body image
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
- This category is for those individuals who do not meet the criteria for any specific eating disorder. For example, when all the criteria is not met for either Anorexia or Bulimia, this category is utilized.
Binge Eating Disorder
- Out of control bingeing (very large quantities of food)
- Frequent, isolative, rapid snacking of food
- Guilt and shame associated with binges
- Frequent history of dieting
- Similar feelings and thoughts as to those who have anorexia and bulimia.