Possible Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Children

If you suspect your child may have an eating disorder, consult these tips: Rebecca Meyerson, a certified nutrition counselor who practices in Westchester County, NY, offers the most common warning signs to look for in anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders. If you recognize these symptoms in your child, Meyerson recommends seeking professional treatment.

Anorexia

Definition: Eating disorder characterized by the refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight.

Symptoms:

1. When one becomes too thin and denies how much weight they have lost or still perceive themselves as fat

2. Significant loss of hair

3. Hair (fuzz) growing on one's face

4. Skin turns to a yellowish color because of liver trouble

5. One becomes dizzy often and may experience fainting spells

Bulimia

Definition: Eating disorder characterized by regular episodes of overeating followed by purging (i.e. vomiting, use of laxatives, excessive exercise) to prevent weight gain.

Symptoms:

1. Excess use of laxatives or diuretics

2. Drastic weight changes from binging (see below) and purging (i.e. fasting, exercising excessively, or abusing laxatives)

3. When one continues to have trouble swallowing

4. One experiences persistent stomach problems including digestion and heartburn

5. Appearance of swollen face and puffy cheeks

Binge Eating

Definition: Eating disorder characterized by regular episodes of compulsive overeating in which the person feels out of control, often followed by extreme distress or guilt.