What are warning signs that a person may be suffering from anorexia nervosa?

Question

Eating large amounts of food in a short time, purging, and tooth decay
Eating when not hungry, eating alone, or feeling guilt about food
Excessive use of laxatives or diet pills and frequent trips to the restroom
Extreme weight loss, over-exercising, and obsessing over food consumed

Answer 1

The warning signs that a person may be suffering from anorexia nervosa include:

• Extreme weight loss: Significant and rapid weight loss relative to the person's normal body weight.
• Over-exercising: Engaging in excessive physical activity or exercise routines, often beyond what is considered healthy.
• Obsessing over food consumed: Preoccupation with food, dieting, or body weight; frequently counting calories or obsessively analyzing food intake.

While other behaviors such as purging, excessive use of laxatives, and guilt related to food can also indicate eating disorders, the specific features of anorexia nervosa prominently include extreme weight loss, restrictive eating, and a distorted body image.