Eating Disorder Warning Signs Do you think someone you know has an eating disorder? Perhaps a family member or friend? Don�t be uninformed.   Eating disorder do affect American Indians-especially young females in urban settings. Compulsive Overeating is the leading Eating Disorder among American Indians. Eating disorders can be one of the most troubling illnesses. Be familiar with the warning signs. Remember early professional intervention from a health care provider experienced in treating eating disorders holds the best hope for successful treatment. What Are Eating Disorders? Eating disorders are extreme expressions of a range of weight and food issues experienced by both men and women. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive overeating. All are serious emotional problems that can have life-threatening consequences. Technically speaking, the "eating" in eating disorder refers to a set of eating habits, weight management practices and attitudes about weight and body shape. The "disorder" means that the eating-related attitudes and behaviors result in (a) loss of self-control and other forms of behavioral inefficiency, (b) obsession, anxiety, guilt, and other forms of misery, (c) alienation from self and others, and (d) physiological imbalances which are potentially life-threatening. What Causes an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders arise from a combination of long-standing psychological, interpersonal, and social conditions. Feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as troubled family and personal relationships, may contribute the development of an eating disorder. Our culture, with its unrelenting idealization of thinness and the "perfect body," is often a contributing factor. Once started, eating disorders may become self-perpetuating. Dieting, bingeing, and purging help some people to cope with painful emotions and to feel as if they are in control of their lives. Yet, at the same time, these behaviors undermine physical health, self-esteem, and a sense of competence and control. What are the Warning Signs? A marked increase or decrease in weight not related to a medical condition. The development of abnormal eating habits such as severe dieting, preference for strange foods, withdrawn or ritualized behavior at mealtime, or secretive bingeing. An intense preoccupation with weight and body image. Compulsive or excessive exercising. Self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting, or laxative, diet pill, or diuretic abuse. Feelings of isolation, depression, or irritability. Source: Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Anorexia Nervosa Warning Signs Loss of a significant amount of weight Continuing to diet when thin Feeling fat, even after losing weight Intense fear of weight gain Loss of monthly menstrual periods Preoccupation with food, calories, fat content and nutrition Preferring to diet in isolation Cooking for others, but not eating the food Hair loss Cold hands and feet Fainting spells Exercising compulsively Lying about food Depression, anxiety Weakness, exhaustion Periods of hyperactivity Constipation Heart tremors Dry, brittle skin Shortness of breath Bulimia Warning Signs Eating uncontrollably Purging by strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise or vomiting Abusing laxatives or diuretics Using the bathroom frequently after meals Preoccupation with body weight Depression Mood swings Feeling out of control Swollen glands in neck and face Heartburn Bloating Irregular periods Dental problems Constipation Indigestion Sore throat Vomiting blood Weakness, exhaustion Bloodshot eyes Binge Eating Disorder Warning Signs Episodes of binge eating Eating when not physically hungry Frequent dieting Feeling unable to stop eating voluntarily Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal Weight fluctuations Depressed mood Feeling ashamed Antisocial behavior Obesity (Source: On Health) AIHC AIHC Home Health Section Cultural Section AIHC's Links Outreach Webrings Useful Hotlines Win Our Awards! 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