NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents
Eating Disorder Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors
Anorexia Nervosa
Dramatic weight loss
Dresses in layers to hide
weight loss
Is preoccupied with
weight, food, calories, fat
grams, and dieting
Refuses to eat certain
foods, progressing to
restrictions against
whole categories of food
(e.g., no carbohydrates,
etc.) Makes frequent
comments about
feeling “fat” or
overweight despite
weight loss
Complains of
constipation, abdominal
pain, cold intolerance,
lethargy, and excess
energy Cooks meals for
others without eating
Consistently makes
excuses to avoid
mealtimes or
situations involving
food Maintains an
excessive, rigid
exercise regimen –
despite weather,
fatigue, illness, or
injury, the need to
“burn off ” calories
taken in
Withdraws from usual
friends and activities
and becomes more
isolated, withdrawn,
and secretive
Seems concerned
about eating in public
Denies feeling hungry
Has limited social
spontaneity Develops food rituals
(e.g., eating foods in
certain orders, excessive
chewing, rearranging
food on a plate)
Resists maintaining
body weight at or
above a minimally
normal weight for
age and height
Has intense fear of
weight gain or being
“fat,” even though
underweight Has disturbed
experience of body
weight or shape,
undue influence of
weight or shape on
self-evaluation, or
denial of the
seriousness of low
body weight
Postpuberty female
loses menstrual
period Feels ineffective
Has strong need for
control Shows inflexible
thinking Has overly
restrained initiative
and emotional
expression Page | 9