Signs that may indicate an eating disorder

Someone with an eating disorder will show signs that can be seen but may be confusing to the observer. An individual will likely show some but not all of the signs noted below.
 
Behavioural Signs
 
•      Fear of becoming fat
•      Talking constantly about food, dieting and/or weight
•      Describing foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’
•      Dressing in baggy or layered clothing
•      Hiding food or eating in secret
•      Changes in eating habits
•      Excessive exercising to lose weight
•      Making frequent trips to the bathroom especially right after eating
•      Gaining weight but eating little in the presence of other
 
Psychological and Emotional Signs
 
•       Mood shifts (irritability, depression, shame and self-hate)
•      Feeling of inadequacy
•      Social isolating
•      Self-worth determined by what is or is not eaten
•      Eating Disorder used as a coping mechanism
•      Feeling out of control with food
 
Physiological Signs
 
•      Weight gain or fluctuations not explained by medical conditions
•      Chronic sore throat
•      Swollen glands, puffy face
•      Cracked mouth
•      Broken blood vessels in eyes and face
•      Damaged tooth enamel
•      Fatigue and muscle aches
•      Dental problems
•      Dizzy Spells
•      Constipation
•      Periods irregular or stop completely
•      Insomnia
•      Low blood pressure
•      Dry skin & Hair, Brittle Nails and teeth
•      Irregular Heart beat
 
 
Eating disorders can often be non-specific when they include symptoms from a number or different illnesses. Disordered eating can take many different forms. Do not dismiss a problem just because someone does not fit within a particular ‘label’.