EATING DISORDER SYMPTOMS

• weight loss of 15% or greater below the expected weight
• inappropriate use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics (water pills) in an effort to lose weight
• self-imposed food intake restrictions, often hidden
• absence of menstruation
• skeletal muscle atrophy
• loss of fatty tissue
• low blood pressure
• dental cavities may be present with self-induced vomiting
• blotchy or yellow skin
• depression may be present in addition to the eating disorder
• most individuals with anorexia nervosa refuse to recognize that they have an eating disorder (denial)