NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers
Signs of bulimia nervosa
• In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that
body weight and shape, weight loss, dieting and
control of food are becoming primary concerns
• Evidence of binge eating (eating in a discrete period
of time an amount of food that is much larger
than most individuals would eat under similar
circumstances), including the disappearance of
large amounts of food in short periods of time or
lots of empty wrappers and containers indicating
consumption of large amounts of food; feeling a
lack of control over the ability to stop eating
• Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent
trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/
or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or
packages of laxatives or diuretics
• Appearing uncomfortable eating around others
• Developing food rituals (e.g., eating only a
particular food or food group [e.g., condiments],
excessive chewing, not allowing foods to touch)
• Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at
regular meals
• Stealing or hoarding food in strange places
• Drinking excessive amounts of water
• Using excessive amounts of mouthwash, mints and
gum • Hiding body with baggy clothes
• Maintaining an excessive, rigid exercise regimen
despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury; the need
to “burn off ” calories
• Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
• Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles
from self-induced vomiting
• Discolored, stained teeth
• Creating lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time
for binge-and-purge sessions
• Withdrawing from usual friends and activities
• Bloating due to fluid retention
• Frequently dieting
• Puffy face
• Thinning hair
• Has secret recurring episodes of binge eating
• Body weight is typically within the normal weight
range; may be overweight
Page | 16