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NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers General emotional and behavioral signs of eating disorders • • • • • • • • • • • An intense fear of gaining weight A negative or distorted self-image Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws Self-worth and self-esteem depend on body shape and weight Fear of eating in public or with others Preoccupation with food Obsessive interest in cooking shows on television and collecting recipes Hoarding food Only eating “safe” or “healthy” foods Making excuses for not eating Irritability • Self-harm (cutting, etc.) • Substance abuse (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines) • Rigidity in behaviors and routines, and extreme anxiety if these are interrupted • Cooking elaborate meals for others, but refusing to eat them themselves • Eating strange combinations of foods • Elaborate food rituals • Withdrawing from normal social activities • Wearing baggy or layered clothing • Flat mood or lack of emotion; alternately, extreme mood swings Page  | 14