Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Symptoms of eating disorders can vary, depending on the type of eating disorder a person has. Common symptoms of eating disorders include avoiding food (anorexia), vomiting to get rid of food just eaten (bulimia), and compulsive overeating (binge-eating disorder).

 

An Introduction to the Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Symptoms of eating disorders vary, depending on the eating disorder in question (anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder).
 

Symptoms of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa

People who have anorexia nervosa usually have the following symptoms:
 
  • Unusual eating habits, such as avoiding food and meals
  • Picking out a few foods and eating them in small amounts
  • Weighing their food
  • Counting the calories of everything they eat
  • Exercising excessively.
     

Symptoms of Eating Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa

People who have bulimia nervosa eat an excessive amount of food in a single episode and almost immediately make themselves vomit or use laxatives or diuretics (water pills) to get rid of the food in their bodies. This behavior often is referred to as the "binge/purge" cycle.
 
Like people with anorexia, people with bulimia have an intense fear of gaining weight.
 

Symptoms of Eating Disorders: Binge-Eating Disorder

People with binge-eating disorder have frequent episodes of compulsive overeating; but unlike those with bulimia, they do not purge their bodies of food. During these food binges, they often eat alone and very quickly, regardless of whether they feel hungry or full. They often feel shame or guilt over their actions.
 
Unlike anorexia and bulimia, binge-eating disorder occurs almost as often in men as in women.
 
(Symptoms of Eating Disorders Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD