What Are Symptoms of Eating Disorders?
Symptoms of Eating Disorders can vary depending on the specific type of disorder but generally include excessive preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape. Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include drastic weight loss, restrictive eating patterns, and an irrational fear of gaining weight, along with a distorted body image. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or use of laxatives. Binge eating disorder involves regular episodes of eating large quantities of food rapidly and to the point of discomfort, typically without subsequent purging behaviors.
Physical symptoms may include fluctuations in weight, gastrointestinal complaints, dental issues, and, in women, missed menstrual periods. Psychological symptoms often involve intense distress or concern about body weight or shape, feelings of shame or guilt about eating, and a sense of loss of control over eating behaviors. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to more effective interventions and support.
