FOOD ISSUES

EATING DISORDERS WARNING SIGNS

Food behaviors

1. The person skips meals, takes only tiny portions and will not eat in front of other people.
2. Always has an excuse not to eat - is not hungry, just ate with a friend, is feeling ill, is upset, and so forth.
3. Becomes "disgusted" with former favorite foods like red meat and desserts.
4. Chooses primarily low-fat items with low levels of other nutrients, foods such as lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, and so forth.
5. May also buy special binge food.
6. Sometimes the person uses laxatives, diet pills, water pills to promote weight loss.

Appearance and body image behaviors

1. The person loses, or tries to lose, weight.
2. Has frantic fears of weight gain and obesity.
3. Spends lots of time inspecting self in the mirror and usually finds something to criticize.

Exercise behaviors

1. The person exercises excessively and compulsively.

Thoughts and beliefs

1. The person becomes obsessive about losing weight.
2. Argues with people who try to help, and then withdraws, sulks, or throws a tantrum.

Feelings

1. Becomes moody, irritable, cross, snappish, and touchy.
2. Withdraws into self and feelings, becoming socially isolated.

Social behaviors

1. Tries to please everyone and withdraws when this is not possible.
2. Anorexics tend to avoid sexual activity.
3. Bulimics may engage in casual or even promiscuous sex.
4. Relationships tend to be either superficial or dependent.
5. Person craves true intimacy but at the same time is terrified of it.

Other behaviors

1. Substance abuse: alcohol, prescription medications, recreational drugs.
2. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
3. Threats of suicide or suicide attempts.
4. Homicidal threats or attempts, stealing and other criminal acts, and any other behaviors that can logically be expected to bring harm to self or others.

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