Eating Disorder Red Flags
There are several factors that contribute to the development of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and other related complex disordered eating. Eating disorders are complicated, so it is important to know what signs and symptoms to look for. Below are several signs that a person may be struggling and he or she needs help!
- Constant thoughts about your weight
- Enjoy cooking for others but not for yourself
- Find that your weight determines your mood for the day
- Avoid eating with family and friends
- Feel guilty after you eat
- Frequently compare your body size and shape to others
- Weight fluctuates drastically over short time spans
- Compulsively exercise
- Preoccupation with the eating behaviors of other people
- Menstrual irregularities
- Eating to relieve stress or depression
- Self-induced vomiting
- Laxative abuse
- Diuretic abuse
- Constant concern of being fat
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased isolation
- Hair loss
- Preoccupation with nutrition, calories, food, cooking, and exercise
- Frequent weighing of self
- Binge uncontrollably on large amounts of food to the point of feeling sick
- Participation in frequent diets
- Lying to others about how you eat
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Dizzy spells, fainting, or blackouts
- Always feel cold
- Fine body hair on your body
- Swollen puffy cheeks
- Feel confused about your emotions or fear of expressing them
- Skip school or work because you feel fat or sick
- Eat the same rigid foods all the time
- Workout even when injured or sick
- Decline social engagements because you have to work out
- Extremes in exercise regimen, either exercise excessively or not at all
- Loss of interest in things you use to enjoy
- Purchase clothing based on the size instead of the fit