Recognizing Eating Disorders

Because many people with eating disorders keep them a secret, their conditions can go unnoticed for long periods of time, even years. With anorexia, signs such as extreme weight loss are easier to see. But, bulimics who can stay at their normal body weight may be better able to hide their illness. Family members and friends may notice some of the warning signs of an eating disorder.

A person with anorexia may:

• Eat only "safe" foods, low in calories and fat.

• Have odd rituals, such as cutting food into small pieces or measuring food.

• Spend more time playing with food than eating it.

• Cook meals for others without eating.

• Exercise to excess.

• Dress in layers to hide weight loss.

• Spend less time with family and friends.

• Become withdrawn and secretive.

A person with bulimia may:

• Become very secretive about food.

• Spend a lot of time thinking about and planning the next eating binge.

• Keep making trips to the bathroom after eating.

• Steal food or hoard it in strange places.

• Eat to excess.

A person with binge-eating disorder may:

• Become very secretive about food.

• Spend a lot of time thinking about and planning the next eating binge.

• Start eating alone most of the time.

• Steal food or hoard it in strange places.

• Eat to excess.

• Become overweight.

• Become withdrawn, not wanting to go out or see family and friends.

If you or someone you know has any of these warning signs, see a health care provider right away. There is help for people with these disorders and, with help, they can lead a healthy and full life.