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The following characteristics or life events seem to increase the likelihood of one developing an eating disorder. They don't necessarily cause the eating disorder, but they are related to the illness.
- a powerful need for control
- perfectionism
- a strong desire to be liked by others
- being a "people pleaser"
- an inability to express feelings
- family conflict
- having a family member with an eating disorder
- excessive competitiveness
- abuse (current or past)
- trauma (current or past)
- major life changes
- struggles with identity
In can sometimes be difficult to identify the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder - even for the person who is struggling. These are just some of the many signs which might indicate that someone is struggling. Any one of these symptoms by itself doesn't "prove" someone has a problem, and they can even be signs of some other illness besides an eating disorder. However, if you or someone you care about is showing several, most or all of these signs, you should seek a trained professional's assistance as soon as possible!
- preoccupation with appearance, especially weight
- change in meal habits - eating alone, frequently eating out, skipping meals, etc.
- change in diet, especially counting calories, cutting out fats, and refusing to eat previously enjoyed foods
- preoccupation with what others are eating and how others look
- excessive exercising
- secretive eating
- missing food (from cabinets, fridge, etc.)
- regular trips to the bathroom immediately after meals
- insistence on exercising immediately after eating
- compulsion to exercise before eating in order to "earn" the right to eat
- sudden and unpredictable mood changes; or, frequent irritability and/or tearfulness
- isolation or withdrawal from family and friends
- increase in rituals and rigidity regarding food and meals
- noticeable weight gain or loss over a short time period (weight gain or loss of more than two pounds per week is generally considered unhealthy)
- change in clothing, especially to those which are bulky and hide a person's shape
- fainting spells, dizziness, blurred vision
- racing heart, shortness of breath
- overall health decline - increased complaints of headaches, stomach aches, tiredness, etc.
- dental problems, especially erosion of tooth enamel
- frequent sore throat
- difficulty concentrating
- reluctance or refusal to discuss problems of any sort
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