The following signs and symptoms are specific to school settings. Eating disorders are marked by a variety of emotional, physical, and behavioral changes. If a student consistently shows one or more of the signs or symptoms listed below, it may be cause for concern and action.
Emotional | Physical | Behavioral |
Changes in attitude and performance | Suddent weight loss, gain, or fluctuation in short time | Diets or chaotic food intake; pretends to eat, then throws away food; skips meals |
Expresses body image complaints or concerns | Dark circles under eyes or bloodshot eyes/burst capillaries around eyes | Exercises for long periods and with obsessive attitude; exercises excessively every day |
Continuous talk about food, weight, shape, exercise, cooking, etc. | Calluses on the knuckles from self-induced vomiting | Wears very baggy clothes to hide a very thin body or weight gain |
Seems or acts sad, depressed, anxious, ashamed, embarrassed, and/or worthless | Dry hair or skin, dehydration, and/or blue hands/feet | Avoids cafeteria and/or works through lunch |
Target of body or weight bullying currently or in the past | Feeling faint, cold, tired, or fatigued | Shows some type of compulsive behavior; makes lists of foods and calories eaten |
Spends a lot of time alone | Thinning, dry hair | Denies difficulty with food or body image despite evidence that this is an area of concern |