Eating Disorders - 10 Signs That Your Loved One May Be Developing An Eating Disorder

While a very high percentage of people with eating disorders are pre-teen and teen aged girls, anyone can develop an eating disorder. Boys and girls, men and women, young and old; eating disorders are not selective.

Here are 10 signs to watch for that may indicate if a loved one is developing an eating disorder.

1. Refusal to eat certain foods - All of a sudden, someone refuses to eat potato chips or cake. Has this been normal their whole life or is this a recent change?

2. A noticeable, possibly dramatic, weight loss - While "normal" kids can have crazy growth spurts and weight loss during those teen years, this is just an indicator that you need to start watching this person's habits. All by itself it is not a definite indicator, but it is a "red light" to watch for.

3. Frequent statements or comments about "feeling fat", "looking gross", or "overweight" even when they are thin or have just lost weight - These are usually statements that are just thrown out there in the middle of conversation. You will have to listen to the tone in which they are said and if there is a situation of stress or discomfort that accompanies the comment.

4. Any evidence of what is called "binge" eating or "purging" behaviors - Binge eating just means that a lot of food is ingested at one time (often bad for you food) and purging is vomiting or throwing up. Be aware of what the person is doing right after meals or when they walk away from a family group. Are they heading toward the bathroom? Is this normal after EACH meal? Do you hear the normal noises? Are they furtive as they walk away?

5. Is there any anxiety or constant concern about getting fat or gaining weight? - People with eating disorders are usually quite concerned, often vocally, about gaining weight or looking fat. Are they stressing out over this, do they talk about it?

6. "I'm not hungry" is coming out of their mouth all the time - Denial of hunger is another indicator that something could be developing. We need to eat food to keep our bodies healthy. A healthy person will not always be telling others that they are not hungry whenever meal time comes around.

7. Are they withdrawing from activities or friends, maybe even family? - Withdrawal from normal activities is a good indicator that something is brewing. Eating disorders are often "hidden" disorders that the person keeps from others. They somehow know that they don't want anyone else to know they have an eating disorder and a good way for others to not know is to stay away from them. If you notice them detaching themselves from things they would normally do or people they normally spend time with, start watching carefully.

8. Crazy, excessive exercise, no matter what the weather is, no matter if they are tired or sick, and sometimes even if they are injured - Again, all by itself, this can't be nailed down as an indicator of an eating disorder, however, in conjunction with a few other things on this list, it would fit a behavioral pattern.

9. Is there a food ritual? Is the food being eaten in a certain order or are they constantly rearranging their food on a plate? - Rituals are another clue that there is something going on, especially if this is a new behavior.

10. Attitudes and/or behaviors indicating that losing weight, dieting or the control of food are important, even primary, concerns - Just another indicator that there may be something that is going on with this person's life that is weighing (no pun intended) on their mind.

If you, or a loved one, are exhibiting a few or many of these behaviors, then you need to seek caring, professional help. The effects of eating disorders are not just current health concerns, but will affect the quality of your future health going forward.

By: micsan07

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Because eating disorders are normally kept hidden from others, the habit may be something that last for quite some time. Getting help is crucial to start back on the road to good health and prevent major health issues going forward. There are many Effects of Bulimia and eating disorders and the longer the disorder, the more health issues down the road. Don't wait, get help now. For more information, go to squidoo.com/effectsofbulimia