Symptoms

Eating Disorder Symptoms

Eating disorder symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of eating disorder and the patient.

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

  • Body dysmorphic disorder (inaccurate body image)
  • Low weight
  • Excessive exercise
  • Irrational fear of becoming fat
  • Fixation with food preparation
  • Eating unusual foods or unusual eating rituals
  • Malnutrition
  • Dehydration
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Cold intolerance
  • An increase in lanugo (fine, downy body hair)
  • Unhealthy skin, hair and nails
  • Wearing baggy clothes
  • Depression or moodiness
  • Lack of participation in family meals
  • Irritability
  • Loss of interest in sex or social activities
Symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

  • Binge eating, followed by guilt and depression
  • Self-induced vomiting / frequent or prolonged trips to the bathroom after eating
  • Extreme exercise
  • Extreme fasting
  • Unusual eating rituals
  • Laxative or diuretic abuse
  • Irregular or skipped periods
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Poor body image
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Loss of tooth enamel
  • Fatigue
  • Low self-esteem
  • Fear of becoming fat
  • Dissatisfaction with weight, shape and size

Symptoms of binge-eating disorders include:

  • Eating large amounts of food
  • Eating rapidly and beyond feeling full
  • Secretive eating
  • Food hoarding
  • A history of weight gain and loss
  • Guilt and self-hatred
  • Depression
  • Anxiety