Warning Signs Of Anorexia

Eating disorders are often coupled with substance abuse problems.I became aware of The Alliance for Eating Disorder based in West Palm Beach, Fl recently. The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness (The Alliance) is a non-profit organization working to prevent eating disorders and promote a positive body image, free from weight preoccupation and size prejudice. The Alliance offers educational presentations, cutting-edge information and referral, training, advocacy, support and mentoring services.

This information is from their site which has great information and is well worth a visit:

Telling Signs of Anorexia:

1. The individual is constantly complaining about being “fat,” “obese” or “huge.”
2. The individual is very preoccupied with weight, counting calories and fat grams, and dieting.
3. The individual is drained and has little energy.
4. The individual has begun wearing extremely loose fitting clothing.
5. The individual comes up with new-found excuses not to eat such as, “I already ate and I have an upset stomach.”
6. The individual is extremely defensive about his/her weight.
7. The individual is often cold.
8. The individual often cooks or bakes food for other people, but refuses to eat the food themselves.
9. The individual has started growing fine facial and body hair- a type of fur (lanugo).
10. The individual is extremely irritable and has dramatic mood swings.
11. The individual tends to be isolated in social situations and/or avoids social gathering.
12. The individual consumes a lot of non-caloric foods such as diet soda, gum, etc.
13. The individual’s hair is falling out and/or becoming extremely dry and brittle.
14. The individual often withdraws from touching others.
15. The individual avoids restaurants and eating in front of others.
16. The individual’s complexion has become pale and his/her skin is extremely dry.
17. When the individual looks in the mirror, his/her reflection is like a “funhouse” mirror. (Distorted)
18. Meal times have become extremely ritualistic” e.g. the individual will insist on eating in the same bowl, he/she will cut their food into tiny pieces, he/she will not let the articles of food on the plate touch one another, he/she will keep on moving food around the plate to make it appear as if something has been eaten, etc.
19. The individual uses excessive laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills to control weight.

  If you answered “YES” to most of the questions listed above, please urge the individual to seek help from a healthcare professional.

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