Eating Disorders
in College
Helping a Family Member
or Friend in Need
1830 Franklin Street, Suite 500 | Denver, Colorado 80218 | 877-218-1344 | www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com
Recognizing the
Warning Signs
How do you know when there is cause for concern? Look
for the following warning signs, which may indicate an
eating disorder.
Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa
• Dramatic weight loss; a preoccupation with weight, food,
calories, fat grams and dieting; denying hunger.
• Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight despite
weight loss and withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
• Development of food rituals and excuses to avoid mealtimes
or situations involving food. An excessive, rigid exercise
regimen - despite weather, fatigue, illness or injury.
Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
• Evidence of binge-eating, including disappearance of large
amounts of food in short periods of time and evidence of
purging behaviors. Frequent trips to the bathroom after
meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting and presence of
laxatives or diuretics.
• Creation of complex lifestyle schedules or rituals to make
time for binge-and-purge sessions and/or an excessive, rigid
exercise regimen - despite weather, fatigue, illness or injury.
• Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area, a discoloration
or staining of the teeth, and/or calluses on the back of the
hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting.
Intervening When
It Matters Most
Eating disorders do not only impact the individual suffering.
These diseases impact the entire support system including
family, friends, roommates and educators. The National Eating
Disorders Association (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org)
offers the following tips and recommendations for approaching
a friend or family member should a concern about their eating
and/or exercise habits arise.
• Set aside a time to talk. Find a time and place for a
private, respectful meeting to discuss your concerns. This can
help someone feel cared for and supported when d