Below are four common eating disorders and symptoms of these eating disorders. There are more eating disorders than listed in this blog post. It is also important to note that everyone experiences eating disorders differently and that not everyone will experience all of these signs.

Likewise, people may also exhibit symptoms not listed in this blog post. Regardless of someone’s symptoms, all eating disorders deserve proper recognition and care.

Anorexia Nervosa 

Anorexia is defined as an intense fear of gaining weight or engaging in persistent behaviors that interfere with weight gain, even though at a significantly low weight. Anorexia has two subtypes: restrictive and binge-purge. In the restrictive subtype of anorexia nervosa, people severely limit the amount and type of food they consume. In the binge-purge subtype of anorexia nervosa, people restrict the amount and type of food they consume in conjunction with binge-eating and purging episodes. This consists of eating large amounts of food in a short time, followed by vomiting, using laxatives/diuretics, or over-exercising/compulsive exercise to compensate for what was consumed.

What Are Some Signs of Anorexia? 

• Extremely restricted eating 
• A relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image, a self-esteem that is heavily influenced by perceptions of body weight and shape, or a denial of the seriousness of low body weight 
• Denial of hunger 
• Preoccupation with body weight and shape 
• Obsession with food and its nutrients (ex. calories) 
• Food rituals (cutting into small pieces, excessive chewing, etc.)
• Excessive/compulsive exercise and dieting 
• Anxiety regarding weight, meal time, and social activities or gatherings 
• Frequent fatigue 
• Dry, thinning, or loss of hair 
• Dry skin and brittle nails 
• Frequently cold, wearing multiple layers to hide body or to stay warm 
• Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation in women)

Bulimia Nervosa 

Bulimia nervosa is defined as recurrent episodes of binge eating and recurrent episodes of compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, fasting, or excessive/compulsive exercise.

What Are Some Signs of Bulimia? 

• Eating large amounts of food in a relatively short period, which is also known as binge eating
• Feeling out of control with food 
• Eating until uncomfortably full 
• Intentionally vomiting after eating 
• Using the bathroom during or immediately following meals 
• Compulsive/excessive exercise to compensate for food consumed 
• Feeling preoccupied, worried, or sad about body or weight 
• Struggling to fulfill responsibilities as a result of eating patterns, exercise habits, or thoughts about appearance

Binge Eating Disorder 

Binge eating disorder is defined as recurrent episodes of binge eating that are categorized by eating in a discrete period that is larger than what most would have in a similar period or lack of control over eating during the episode.

What Are Some Signs of Binge Eating Disorder? 

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time
• Eating even when you’re full or not hungry 
• Eating fast during binge episodes 
• Eating until you’re uncomfortably full 
• Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment 
• Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about your eating
• Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss