Eating Disorders

• Self-induced vomiting on a regular basis.
• Persistent thoughts and obsession with body image.
• Fear of gaining weight.
• Feelings of a loss of control, guilt, or shame when eating.
• Eating large amounts of food in a short or repeated amount of time.
• Severe or frequent attempts at dieting.
• Restrictive eating.
• Abuse of laxatives or diuretics.
• Eating when stressed or depressed even when not hungry.
• Depression.
• Physical symptoms – low body weight, gastrointestinal problems, menstrual irregularities in women, rapid loss of body mass.

By themselves, these items may not indicate the presence of an eating disorder. They could be related to stress or depression. However, if several of the warning signs are present or you have a lack of control to stop them, this could indicate the presence of an eating disorder. If this is the case, contact The Aldersgate Center to speak with a counselor or to obtain information about current or future eating disorder groups on campus (x2257).