Eating Disorders

Facts/warning signs of an eating disorder:

• Preoccupation with body weight and size.
• Significant loss in body weight that cannot be attributed to a medical condition.
• Attempt to hide weight loss.
• Thoughts of losing control and feelings of guilt and self-loathing after eating. Binge eating followed by some compensatory behavior (self-induced vomiting, laxatives use and/or diuretic [water pills] use).
• Excessive exercising or exercising after eating or in anticipation of eating.
• Fainting or feeling light-headed when changing positions (from sitting to standing).
• Dental reports of excessive erosion of enamel on the front teeth.
• Swelling of the salivary glands.
• Muscle cramping, especially in the extremities.
• Intense fear of gaining weight.

Self-assessment for an eating disorder

• Do you constantly worry about your weight and ask for reassurance from others that you are not fat? Do you do this to the point that others may be frustrated with you?
• Do you see yourself as fat even though others tell you that you are thin or too thin?
• Are you looking at foods in terms of safe vs. unsafe and are you avoiding the unsafe foods?
• Are you deliberately restricting your feed intake to the point where you have lost a significant amount of weight?
• Do you find yourself in a pattern of restricting your food intake followed by periods of overeating or eating large quantities and feeling guilty as a result?

If you answered yes, for yourself or someone you love, get help.

For more information contact your primary health care provider, or:

Information can also be found at: