How to Detect an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders include bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, and overeating. The stigma from eating disorders may prevent you from taking action to end it. But it won't end on its own. Learn to recognize the symptoms of eating disorders so that you can seek professional help as soon as possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for signs of drastic changes. Drastic weight loss, or weight gain, is a sign that something is changing. If these things are coupled with noticeable eating changes, such as not eating, overeating, or an obsession with caloric intake these are signs of an eating disorder.

• 2

  Study behavior. Especially in teenagers, it can be more difficult to detect an eating disorder due to lack of communication. If they comment on feeling fat if they are too thin, or showing sign of emotional eating or distress about their eating, and have withdrawn from friends or activities, or show signs of forced vomiting or overuse of laxatives they may have an eating disorder.

• 3

  Ask questions. Question them about their reasons for having a warped view of their bodies, and whether food dominates their life. Quiz them about how much weight they have lost or gained in a short period of time. Ask whether they feel as though they have lost control of their eating. These questions can help detect an eating disorder, and can help pinpoint the reason for the problem.

• 4

  Check for visual signs. Dental signs of an eating disorder, such as bulimia, are erosion of enamel, color, shape, and the teeth becoming brittle. The health of a person's diet is also shown in their hair, and hair that is stringy or brittle can also help detect an eating disorder.