Eating Disorders

How do you know if you have a eating disorder

11/06/2007

Question:

how do you know if you have a eating disorder?

Answer:

There are multiple eating disorders:

Eating Disorders Warning Signs:

Anorexia Nervosa:

Significant weight loss due to the feeling that you are too fat

Develops ritualistic eating habits such as:

Cutting up foods in extremely small bits

Chewing each bite a specific number of times

Denies hunger

Excessive exercise

Eats only low to no fat foods

Says you are too fat, even when you are too thin

Highly controlled behaviors

If female, loss of menses

Bulimia Nervosa:

Makes excuses to go to the restroom after meals

Mood swings

Buys large amounts of food that is eaten in a short period of time

Often normal weight range

Frequently eats large amounts of high calorie foods but does not gain weight

Laxative or diuretic wrappers found in trash can

Evidence of vomit around the sink or toilet

Excessive exercise or fasting

Binge Eating Disorder:

Does not eat throughout the day

Often overweight

When alone, often in the evening, eats large amounts of food uncontrollably

Often depressed

Does not vomit to counter weight gain

Other Eating Disorders Warning Signs:

Repeatedly chews up foods and spits them out before swallowing

Purges but does not binge

Conversation focused on food and body shape

Increased isolation from friends, making excuses to be alone

Low self worth

Has faced a significant life trauma, and turns to food, or away from food, to cope

For more information:

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Response by:

Laura Hill, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University