Signs Of Anorexia - What You Can't See
Some Anorexia Signs Are Shocking

Signs of anorexia are often pretty obvious -- such as troubled teenagers, or girls with anorexia who obsess about "thinspiration". However, there's a lot more to anorexia nervosa, and you need to be "in the know". Some signs and symptoms can be so subtle that you'd never guess there was any problem at all.

Quite often the first signs of anorexia are those that start with a desire to be thin, which can ultimately lead to a starvation diet. But, by the time you discover that your loved one might have a problem, they may already be well entrenched in their eating disorder.

So then, what is anorexia, exactly?

The early signs of anorexia become evident when sufferers exhibit depression warning signs. Teens and preteenagers might show an obsession with society's perception of the ideal body image, and try to reach their own goals for the ideal body shape.

All of this is in addition to any physical anorexia symptoms that could be starting to show.

There are certain behavioral changes that may be present in an individual who's suffering. Some even experience impulse control disorder which can lead to stealing or theft. The following is by no means a complete list, but these are some of the most common behavioral issues in anorexia:

What Are Some Signs Of Anorexia? - Anorexic Behaviors

Someone who's suffering may show some, all or possibly even none of the signs of anorexia, or anorexic behaviors listed below - although I suspect the latter is not likely the case.

I became very, very good at hiding anorexia and the fact that my body had gone into starvation mode.

One of the ways I could accomplish this was by skipping meals. Quite often I would say that I had already eaten so that I could keep avoiding mealtimes.

Here are some other symptoms that I experienced personally, and you may want to be weary of if you suspect that your loved one may be developing an eating disorder:

• Cognitive distortions
• Wearing loose or baggy clothes most of the time
• Chewing and spitting - (also categorized under EDNOS)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms - counting every calorie in food
• Distorted body image
• Social isolation and afraid to eat around others
• Cutting out certain foods little by little, Starvation diet
• Laxative abuse - obsessed with weight; on the scale many times a day
• Skin picking, chronic skin picking (CSP), dermatillomania
• Low self-esteem; Self hatred
• Delayed puberty
• Feels like a failure, even though s/he's very successful
• Tends to be a rigid perfectionist
• Moving food around the plate to make it appear as though more had been eaten
• Secretive eating (or not) - tossing out food or hiding it when nobody is looking
• Slow metabolism - weight gain, even though very little is eaten
• Obsessive exercise; exercise addiction

Again, please seek professional help if someone you know fits the definition of anorexia, or if you have any concerns about yourself.

This information is only a guideline based on personal experience, and the experiences of other anorexia sufferers whom I met in treatment.

Remember - symptoms and signs of anorexia can vary greatly in degree and presentation. Every individual is different.

Closely related to anorexia signs are the medical and physical symptoms of anorexia.

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