Eating Disorder Signs : What To look For

Complications and symptoms of eating disorders

Depending on the individual, there are noticeable differences with the complications and symptoms of eating disorders. Several to be aware of include acne, cavities and loss of one’s teeth, constipation or diarrhea, an imbalance with electrolytes, osteoporosis, and retaining fluids. Additionally, it is not uncommon for a co-existing condition to accompany the eating disorder such as alcohol and drug abuse, anxiety disorders and panic attacks, and depression.

Eating disorders are also capable of leading to certain life-threatening conditions including brain atrophy, cardiac arrest, and kidney failure. Additionally, the individual may become suicidal in the process. It is imperative that you recognize these different eating disorder signs in order to determine if the disorder or present and that you should seek professional help for you or your loved one. Therefore, it becomes critical that you receive a proper diagnosis in order to determine a course of treatment.

Recognizing the different eating disorder warning signs

The erosion on the lower teeth was caused by Bulimia; a dentist did NOT drill these teeth. For comparison, the upper teeth were restored with porcelain veneers

In order to learn more about the three major eating disorders – anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders you must be able to recognize the red flags or warning signs of each one of these. In so doing, it will be easier to identify which eating disorder is present and then determine the best course of treatment and recovery. This is extremely necessary when you consider that any of these eating disorders can eventually become fatal. Here is some basic information regarding the three primary eating disorders.

1. Anorexia Nervosa – an dramatic weight loss, exercising excessively and frequently, extremely thin physique, making excuses not to eat such as not being hungry, and an unhealthy appearance of the hair are the primary eating disorder signs to watch for.
2. Bulimia Nervosa – avoiding certain social gatherings because a meal is being served, the backs of the hands are cut and scratched up from self-induced vomiting, and being obsessed or completely preoccupied with their appearance and weight. Making frequent trips to the bathroom during the meal and then immediately afterwards is also one of the more common eating disorder signs. Other indicators include bad breath and numerous dental health issues.
3. Binge Eating Disorder – another eating disorder is one known as compulsive overeating. Binges oftentimes continue for days at a time throughout the week. Despite appearing normal when they eat with others, they will secretly purge what they have eaten in total secrecy afterwards.

In most cases with eating disorders, the key issue to realize is that they engage is this sort of behavior because they are using the food they eat as coping mechanisms to offset unpleasant emotions and feelings. Typically, these overeating episodes typically occur in secrecy or late at night when the rest of the household is sleeping.