Early detection and intervention are key factors in recovery from eating disorders. Family members, school professionals and friends can help implement early intervention through awareness of common eating disorder behaviors and characteristics.
Common Signs of Eating Disorders
- Noticeable weight loss or extreme thinness
- Finding excuses to skip lunch
- Frequent bathroom visits after a meal
- Unusual eating behaviors - ritualistic eating
- Extreme dieting behavior
- Unusual concern about school performance - earned grades are never "good enough"
- Oversensitivity to criticism
- Unusual concern over change in routine - not flexible or adaptable
- Tendency to be a perfectionist
- Closed communication; usually very proper, polite; may appear tense or too animated
- Unusual concern about appearance; very neat, "not a hair out of place"
- Withdrawal from friends and activities; an unusual immersion in an activity to the exclusion of other activities
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle)
- Unusual, compulsive behaviors, particularly having to do with food
- Mood swings
- Very controlled behavior; able to hide feelings
- Conversation largely about food and weight
- Intolerance of others
- Low self-esteem (may not be initially apparent)
Additional Information
Things Coaches Can Do
School Health Fair/Event Flyer
Self-Screening Test
How to Talk About Eating Disorders
Questions?
Whether you are a young woman suffering with an eating disorder, a parent, a friend, a teacher or coach, please call our admissions coordinators with any questions. You can reach Lisa and Lauren directly at 800-322-5173 or locally at 918-491-3702 and your conversation will be completely confidential.
There is no obligation to proceed with treatment at Laureate just by calling. If Laureate is not an appropriate option for care, our admissions coordinators can also assist with referrals to other treatment programs.