NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators
Eating disorder signs and symptoms specific
to a school setting
During adolescence, young people often experience
sudden variations in height and weight. For example,
girls can gain an average of 40 pounds (lb.) from age
11 to 14—and that’s normal. A girl or boy who puts
on weight before having a growth spurt in height may
look plump, while a student who grows taller but not
heavier may appear rather thin.
The points outlined below are not necessarily definitive
signs or symptoms of an eating disorder — only an
expert can make that diagnosis. Although many
individuals with eating disorders are perfectionistic
and appear to be “perfect” students, it’s not a
universal trait. Also be aware that perfectionism can
be expressed by what looks like apathy — if a student
can’t reach the impossibly high standards s/he sets for
her- or himself, they may opt not to try. Perfectionistic
individuals might feel that disappointing themselves or
others would be too upsetting, so they opt to avoid the
possibility instead.
Eating disorders are marked by a variety of emotional,
physical, and behavioral changes. While some of the
behaviors may appear to be little more than teenage
dieting and body dissatisfaction, taken together they
can indicate a serious, life-threatening eating disorder.
If a student consistently shows one or more of the signs
or symptoms listed below, it is cause for concern.
Emotional • Changes in attitude/performance
• Expresses body image complaints/concerns:
being too fat even though normal or thin;
unable to accept compliments; mood affected
by thoughts about appearance; constantly
compares self to others; self-disparaging; refers
to self as fat, gross, ugly; overestimates body
size; strives to create a “perfect” image; seeks
constant outside reassurance about looks
• Incessant talk about food, weight, shape,
exercise, cooking, etc.
• Displays rigid or obsessive thinking about
food, eating, exercise: labels foods as good/
bad; on/off limits for no actual reason; appears
uncomfortable or unwilling to share food;
inflexible about diet without reason
• Appears sad/depressed/anxious/ashamed/
embarrassed/expresses feelings of
worthlessness • Emotions are flat or absent
• Intolerance for imperfections in academics,
eating, social life, etc.
• Is target of body or weight bullying currently or
in the past
• Spends increasing amounts of time alone; pulls
back from friends
• Is obsessed with maintaining unhealthy eating
habits to enhance performance in sports,
dance, acting, or modeling
• Overvalues self-sufficiency; reluctant to ask for
help • Unable or unwilling to acknowledge recent
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