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Detecting an eating disorder early increases the chances of a sustained recovery. Being aware of the typical symptoms associated with eating disorders will help you spot warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

Everyone copes with an eating disorder differently and symptoms can be tough to catch even if you suspect someone you love may have a problem. Anorexia, Bulimia, and Compulsive Overeating become more and more dangerous the longer recovery is put off so it’s crucial to seek help for an eating disorder as soon as possible.

Here are common physical and psychological symptoms connected to eating disorders that you should be aware of.

ANOREXIA

Physical symptoms

  • Pattern of self-starvation
  • Water retention
  • Body weight significantly below normal
  • Lack of menstrual cycle
  • Constipation
  • Abnormal hair growth
  • Lowered heart and breathing rates
Psychological symptoms

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Compulsive exercise
  • Isolation
  • Guilt
  • Irritability
  • Fear of gaining weight

BULIMIA

Physical symptoms

  • Binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting
  • Use of laxatives and/or diuretic abuse
  • Swelling around neck and throat
  • Erosion of dental enamel
  • Abdominal pain
  • Throat hernia
  • Heat and kidney disorders
Psychological symptoms

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Amphetamine, alcohol, or other substance abuse
  • Guilt
  • Compulsive exercising
  • Obsession with food
  • Abuse

COMPULSIVE OVEREATING

Physical symptoms

  • Episodic or chronic excessive eating
  • Chronic Neck and joint pain
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Limited range of motion
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Body weight significantly above average
Psychological symptoms

  • Depression
  • Guilt
  • Isolation
  • Obsession with food
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability/passivity
  • Amphetamine, alcohol or other substance abuse

Making sure you’re not putting an individual in environments that reinforce the idea that weight loss and dieting are primary concerns is also important. Preoccupation with weight and food can be destructive and make eating disorders even more difficult to handle.

Individuals who struggle with eating disorders often find it tough to eat healthy because of habits that are hard to break. The team at Behavioral Nutrition understands how eating healthy can be taken too far and lead to an eating disorder. Our Behavioral Counseling and Medical Nutrition Therapy services utilize holistic techniques designed to help you recover from an eating disorder and find a healthier way to eat.

The expert staff at Behavioral Nutrition has experience treating individuals struggling with an eating disorders co-occuring with anxiety, depression, mood disorders or obsessive compulsive tendencies. Schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help with recovery from an eating disorder and associated mental health conditions.