An eating disorder can be very difficult to spot, especially if you’re not an expert or you don’t know the signs and symptoms. If you suspect that a loved one may be suffering from an eating disorder, let’s take a look at warning signs associated with anorexia.

According to an article at ulifeline.org, “Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia”

“Anorexia is a serious eating disorder that is associated with an intense fear of food and weight gain. Individuals become obsessed with food and heavily restrict their intake, starve or exercise compulsively. While anorexia revolves around food and weight, it rarely has anything to do with those things. Typically, people with anorexia use food and other unhealthy behaviors, such as exercising excessively, to cope with painful emotions.

There’s a range of reasons why a person develops anorexia, and a range of symptoms — from mild to severe. Anorexia can be fatal. In fact, it has one of the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. But effective treatments are available, and if you’re struggling with anorexia, recovery is possible. The key is to work hard and be honest with your treatment team.

Signs & Symptoms

There are two types of anorexia: restricting type, where people fast, drastically restrict their diet and over-exercise; and purging type, where people vomit or use laxative and diuretics. Symptoms include:
• Refusing to eat
• Not wanting to eat in front of others
• Skipping meals
• Cutting out major food groups, and eating only certain foods that the person views as “safe”
• Purging by vomiting or taking laxatives or diuretics
• Cooking for others but not eating the food
• Feeling sad, anxious or irritable
• Feeling cold all the time” To read the entire article click here.

To have a healthier relationship with food, Barbara Cox of ABC Nutrition Services is an expert on eating disorders. For more information contact ABC Nutrition Services at 775-329-0505 or visit ABCNutritionServices.com.