Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa and other binge eating disorders. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and genders, and can have serious psychological and physical consequences.
Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa and other binge eating disorders. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and genders, and can have serious psychological and physical consequences.
Physical symptoms
Sudden or rapid weight loss
Frequent changes in weight
Sensitivity to the cold (feeling cold most of the time, even in warm environments)
Loss or disturbance of menstrual periods (females)
Signs of frequent vomiting – swollen cheeks / jawline, calluses on knuckles, or damage to teeth
Fainting, dizziness
Fatigue – always feeling tired, unable to perform normal activities
Psychological symptoms
Increased preoccupation with body shape, weight and appearance
Intense fear of gaining weight
Constant preoccupation with food or with activities relating to food
Extreme body dissatisfaction/ negative body image
Distorted body image (eg. complaining of being/feeling/looking fat when actually a healthy weight or underweight)
Heightened sensitivity to comments or criticism about body shape or weight, eating or exercise habits
Heightened anxiety around meal times
Depression or anxiety
Moodiness or irritability
Low self-esteem (eg. feeling worthless, feelings of shame, guilt or self-loathing)
Feelings of life being ‘out of control’
Feelings of being unable to control behaviors around food
Fear of growing up/taking on adult responsibility