NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers
General emotional and behavioral signs of
eating disorders
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• 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
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