Warning Signs of Eating Disorders Increasing awareness of the dangers of eating disorders -- sparked by medical studies and extensive media coverage of the illnesses -- has led to many people seeking help. Unfortunately in many cases, the person with an eating disorder refuses to admit they have a problem and does not get treatment on their own. They hide their disorder, but friends and family can learn to recognize the problem and encourage the person to get help. You should be concerned if you've noticed these warning signs: Persistent, negative comments about the way they look Feelings of shame and guilt about eating behavior and body weight Continual dieting, fasting, or restricting food Preoccupation with food, weight, or exercise Use of diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics Attributing successes or failures in life to weight Constant comments about their own, or other people's weight Belief that reaching a "perfect" weight is necessary to be happy Symptoms* Anorexia Bulimia Binge Eating Excessive weight loss X . .   Continuation of diet although bone-thin X .   .   Dissatisfaction with appearance X X X Feeling fat, even though severely underweight X .   .   Loss of monthly menstrual periods X X . . Unusual interest in food and development of strange eating rituals X X X Eating in secret X X X Obsessive exercise X X .   Serious depression X X X Binging - consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time .   X X Vomiting or using drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel movements, or urination .   X .   Binging without noticeable weight gain .   X .   Disappearing into the bathroom during or after meals .   X .   Abuse of drugs or alcohol X X X * It should be noted that many individuals have symptoms of both anorexia and bulimia.   ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS WHEN IT'S SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT | TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO LEARN MORE | DISORDERED EATING MAIN PAGE BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.