Eating disorders have many warning signs. If you, or someone you know, have one or more of the following symptoms, there may be cause for concern:

Persons with anorexia may:

• Lose weight quickly to a dangerously low level
• Eat small portions, deny their hunger, or refuse to eat
• View their body in a distorted way
• Cease menstruation
• Fear gaining weight

 Persons with bulimia may:

• Be preoccupied with food
• Binge (eat large quantities of food), usually in secret
• Use laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, or induce vomiting in an effort to lose weight
• Diet frequently

 People with an eating disorder may experience:

• Depression
• Compulsive exercising
• Low self esteem
• Social isolation
• Guilt or shame
• Mood swings
• Distorted body image (weight and shape)

Note: Not everyone exhibits all of these symptoms. Anorexia and bulimia may strike males and females of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds. College age women are known to be especially at risk.