Signs & Symptoms

This information is published by The Renfrew Center Foundation to provide helpful information to the general public and to healthcare professionals. The Renfrew Center Foundation is dedicated to supporting research, education, and advocacy in the field of women's mental health. To receive a copy of the information on this page in a printed brochure, please call 1-800-RENFREW.

Note: Throughout this information, we use "she" when referring to a person with an eating disorder. However, eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent among males. Many (though not all) of theses signs and symptoms are also applicable to men.

Eating Disorders—Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating Disorder

Since we live in a culture which is obsessed with thinness and dieting, it can be difficult to recognize when a person's thinking or behavior has become dangerous. You may know someone with an eating disorder. The person may try to hide it, but the focus of her everyday life revolves—obsessively—around food and weight. Some people try to starve themselves. Others binge and then try to undo their bingeing through some form of purging.

Eating disorders are very serious. They have an impact on both physical and mental health. Left untreated, they can be fatal.

People develop eating disorders as a way of dealing with the conflicts, pressures, and stresses of their lives. Their eating disorders may be used as a way to express control when the rest of life seems out of control.

You Can Help

You may know someone with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. We can help you understand that person's issues and offer suggestions for the ways in which you can help. Or, you may suspect that someone has an eating disorder, but not be certain. Once an eating disorder has been recognized, it can be treated successfully. Most people with eating disorders are in denial.

People with anorexia, bulimia, and/or binge eating disorder may exhibit some—though perhaps not all—of the signs and symptoms identified below. Becoming aware of these warning signs is the first step toward helping. When you help, you can save someone's life.

If you know someone with an eating disorder, help save her life. Call The Renfrew Center at 1-800-RENFREW. This number could be a lifeline to someone you know.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia (clinically known as anorexia nervosa) is self-imposed starvation. It is a serious, life-threatening disorder which usually stems from underlying emotional causes. Although people with anorexia are obsessed with food, they continually deny their hunger. Women with anorexia often limit or restrict other parts of their lives besides food—relationships, social activities, or pleasure. Anorexia can cause severe medical problems and even lead to death.

Warning Signs of Anorexia

Here are some of the common warning signs that indicate that a person may be suffering from anorexia. The person:

• Is thin and keeps getting thinner, losing 15% or more of her ideal body weight.
• Continues to diet or restrict foods even though she is not overweight.
• Has a distorted body image—feels fat even when she is thin.
• Is preoccupied with food, calories, nutrition, or cooking.
• Denies that she is hungry.
• Exercises obsessively.
• Weighs herself frequently.
• Complains about feeling bloated or nauseated even when she eats normal—or less than normal—amounts of food.
• Loses her hair or begins to experience thinning hair.
• Feels cold even though the temperature is normal or only slightly cool.
• Stops menstruating.

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia (clinically known as bulimia nervosa) is the repeated cycle of out-of-control eating followed by some form of purging. Bulimia is a serious eating disorder which can be fatal. The purging associated with bulimia may be self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, or obsessive exercising. Women with bulimia often feel out of control in other areas of their lives besides food. They may spend money excessively, abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage in chaotic relationships.

Bulimia can have severe medical consequences including dental and esophageal problems, kidney damage, chemical imbalance, and an overall loss of energy and vitality. It can even prove fatal.

Warning Signs of Bulimia

Here are some of the common warning signs that a person may be suffering from bulimia. The person:

• Engages in binge eating and cannot voluntarily stop.
• Uses the bathroom frequently after meals.
• Reacts to emotional stress by overeating.
• Has menstrual irregularities.
• Has swollen glands.
• Experiences frequent fluctuations in weight.
• Cannot voluntarily stop eating.
• Is obsessively concerned about weight.
• Attempts to adhere to diets, but generally fails.
• Feels guilty or ashamed about eating.
• Feels out of control.
• Has depressive moods.

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is more commonly referred to as compulsive overeating and can affect women or men, though it appears twice as often among women. People with binge eating disorder suffer from episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing followed by periods of guilt and depression. A binge is marked by the consumption of large amounts of food, sometimes accompanied by a pressured, "frenzied" feeling. Frequently, a compulsive overeater continues to eat even after she becomes uncomfortably full.

Binge eating can lead to severe medical problems including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

Warning Signs of Binge Eating Disorder

Here are some of the common warning signs that suggest a person may be suffering from binge eating disorder. The person:

• Eats large amounts of food when not physically hungry.
• Eats much more rapidly than normal.
• Eats until the point of feeling uncomfortably full.
• Often eats alone because of shame or embarrassment.
• Has feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating.
• Has a history of marked weight fluctuations.

When & Where to Seek Help

If anyone you know is exhibiting warning signs of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, it is important to seek professional counseling as soon as possible. If untreated, the disorder will become part of a destructive cycle which can continue for years and may eventually lead to death.

Additional Information

For more information about programs, please call The Renfrew Center at 1-800-RENFREW. Confidentiality is strictly observed and most insurance plans are accepted.

Resources

Click here for a list of additional resources, including books and films for professionals and for the general public.