Signs of Eating Disorders

To determine whether someone has anorexia nervosa, look for the following signs:

• Loss of 20 to 25 percent of total body weight
• Loss menstrual period
• Compulsiveness about exercise
• Compulsive eating behavior
• Depression
• Perception of self as fat
  

The bulimic exhibits the following signs.

• Frequent weight fluctuation of 10 pounds in either direction
• Massive consumption of high-calorie foods
• Repeated attempts to lose weight by severely restrictive dieting or long term fasting
• Awareness that eating pattern is abnormal
• Fear being unable to control eating voluntarily
• Depression
• Self –deprecating behavior