Signs and Symptoms of an Eating Disorder | Eating Disorder Red Flags | Oceanaire Program for Women Struggling with Eating Disorders

Red Flags

Eating Disorder Red Flags

Several factors can contribute to the development of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and other related complex disordered eating and compulsive exercising. 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