Recognizing an Eating Disorder

by Melissa Cox

Diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa

Refusal to maintain body weight over minimal normal weight for age and height, for example, weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight 15 percent below that expected, or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to a body weight 15 percent below that expected.

  • Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
  • Dissatisfaction with one's body weight, size or shape; for example, the person claims to "feel fat" even when emaciated or believes that one area of the body is "too fat" even when tremendously under weight.
  • In females, absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when otherwise expected to occur (primary or secondary amenorrhea). A woman is considered to have amenorrhea if her periods occur only following hormone administration.

Diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa

  • Recurrent episodes of binge eating (rapid consumption of large amount of food in a limited period of time).
  • Feeling out of control over eating behavior during the eating binges.
  • Regular self induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting or fasting, vigorous exercise in order to prevent weight gain.
  • An average of two binge episodes a week for at least three months.
  • Persistent obsession with body shape and weight.

Symptoms of eating disorders

  • Preoccupation with food, weight, calories and body image
  • Constantly thinking about "feeling fat"
  • Bingeing
  • Purging
  • Skipping meals, eating alone and making unusual food choices
  • Laxative and/or diuretic abuse
  • Compulsive exercising
  • Withdrawal from family or friends
  • Self esteem determined by weight
  • Frequent weigh ins
  • Constant eating beyond normal appetite
  • Denial and defensive behavior about changes in weight, appearance or eating habits
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Eliminating meat from the diet
  • Changes in menstrual cycle
  • Low body temperature
  • Malnutrition
  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalances

Side effects of anorexia and bulimia

  • Damage to the heart
  • Changes in or loss of menstrual cycle
  • Erosion of the teeth and gums
  • Kidney problems
  • Intestinal ulcers
  • Constipation
  • Deteriorating hair and nail quality
  • Insomnia
  • Skin rash or dry skin
  • Memory loss, slowness of thought
  • Moodiness
  • Depression
  • Indecisiveness, lack of concentration

Issues that may trigger an eating disorder

  • Low self esteem, inadequacy, anxiety
  • Definition of self in terms of appearance
  • Actually being overweight
  • Helplessness and need for control
  • Difficulty in managing emotions
  • Social anxiety and lack of social skills
  • Fear of growing up
  • Dysfunctional home life
  • Lack of love or acceptance
Copyright © 1998 Focus on the Family.

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Other Things to Consider

Related Topics

Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children

Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest