Counseling and Psychological Services Division of Student Affairs

Common Concerns

Eating Concerns: Signs and Symptoms

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Please note the following is a combination of Diagnostic Statistical Manual criteria along with data gathered from counselors who work with these issues. It is not an all-inclusive listing, thereby making it possible for someone to have disordered eating and not exhibit any of these symptoms. For further questions or concerns on these issues contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 764-8312.

  Anorexia Bulimia Compulsive Eating
Physical
  • downy hair all over body
  • pale skin
  • loss of menses
  • sensitive to cold
  • bruises easily
  • signs of vomiting (smells, etc..)
  • someone who rushes away from dining area after a meal
  • decaying teeth
  • significant weight loss or gain
Emotional
  • determines self-esteem by appearances and weight
  • strong need for approval
  • depression
  • mood swings
  • self-esteem determined by appearance and weight
  • mood swings
  • depression, shame and guilt
Behavioral
  • Talks or thinks about food, weight, calories, and dieting so much it is prohibitive
  • desperate need to exercise even when it is not reasonable (i.e. sickness)
  • talks about being fat even though they are thin
  • refuses to eat certain foods
  • evidence of binge eating (i.e. collecting food and stashing food)
  • frequent trips to the bathroom
  • extreme eating habits (strict dieting then overeating)
  • desperate need to exercise even when it is not reasonable (i.e. sickness, bad weather).
  • evidence of binge eating (i.e. collecting and stashing food
  • extreme eating habits (strict dieting then overeating).