It is important to know that it is very difficult to spot the warning signs of an eating disorder. In many cases, the person undergoing it doesn’t even realise that they have an eating disorder. In such situations, one must compare behavioural warning signs along with physical and psychological signs to determine the presence of an eating disorder.
Although, all these signs may not be the same for every person, watch out for the following signs.
Behavioural Signs Extreme dieting: skipping meals, fasting, replacing food with fluids etc
Binge eating: excessive eating, overeating, hoarding food etc
Self induced vomiting: frequent trips to the bathroom after every meal
Laxative use or abuse
Excessive exercising: refusing to stop exercising, exercising when injured etc
Avoiding social situations that involve food
Frequent excuses to avoid meals
Throwing out food deceptively
Physical signs Extreme weight loss
Swollen jaw line or damaged teeth because of frequent vomiting
Disturbed menstruation
Constant fatigue
Frequent dizziness spells
Psychological signs Very conscious about your body shape and appearance
Fear of weight gain
Constant complaining about being fat when they are probably underweight
Sensitivity to criticism about body appearance or eating habits
Nervousness and anxiety during meal times
Guilt or self-loathing after eating
Social withdrawal
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