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Eating Disorder Signs and Symptoms to Watch for During the Holidays

DENVER, COLO. (Dec. 2, 2009) – Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDC-D), one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of eating disorders, encourages friends and family to be aware of eating disorder sings and symptoms while their loved ones are home for the holidays.

College students and other family and friends typically come home to visit over winter break. This is a time when many parents and friends notice signs of a potential eating disorder. Being aware of eating disorder symptoms is often the first step to getting treatment for a loved one.

“It is important for friends and family to recognize eating disorder clues and speak up when they suspect their loved one has a problem,” explains Tamara Pryor, Ph.D., Clinical Director, Eating Disorder Center of Denver. “Eating disorders can be life threatening, and holding back on addressing the issue only enables the destructive behavior.

“The best approach is to be gentle but persistent with your loved one. Do not expect them to admit they have a problem right away. Allow them some time and space to reflect on your concerns and consider seeking treatment for their disorder.”

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders:

1. Dramatic weight loss in a relatively short period of time
2. Baggy clothes or dressing in layers
3. Unusual behaviors at the table:
   • Shifting food around on plate to look like food has been eaten
   • Cutting food into tiny pieces
   • Chewing food and spitting it out
   • Eating a great deal of food and then going directly to the bathroom
   • Frequent trips to the bathroom immediately following meals
4. Hair loss
5. Excessive exercise and exercising at odd times
6. Pale or “grey” appearance to the skin
7. Increase in mood swings, signs of depression, anxiety and/or obsessive-compulsive behaviors
8. Diet pills, laxatives, ipecac syrup or enemas in bathroom or room
9. Food in strange places like closets, cabinets, suitcases, basement
10. Books about weight loss and eating disorders
11. Always talking about weight and complaining about being fat
12. Obsession with calories, carbohydrate and fat content in foods
13. Always says she/he “just ate” or has plans to eat wherever she is going next

For additional eating disorder signs and symptoms, go to www.edcdenver.com, click on “Useful Resources” and then “I Think My Loved One Has An Eating Disorder.”

About Eating Disorder Center of Denver

Established in 2001, Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDC-D) is one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of eating disorders. EDC-D is committed to empowering individuals 18 years of age and older suffering with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and related disorders to help them achieve and sustain recovery. A multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, physicians, clinicians, family therapists and registered dietitians work together to create a specialized, evidence-based treatment plan for each patient. For additional information about EDC-D, visit www.edcdenver.com or call 303-771-0861.

Media Contact:
Beth Hardy
Weise Communications
303-996-9940, ext. 107
bethhardy@weiseideas.com

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