SGH Eating Disorders Programme
Department of Psychiatry
Warning Signs Of
An Eating Disorder
Eating Disorders Clinic
SGH LIFE Centre
Bowyer Block, Block A, Level 1
Outram Road
Singapore 169608
www.sgh.com.sg
For more information: 6321 4377
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Fridays (8.00am to 5.30pm)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
Reg. No: 198703907Z
Information correct as at February 2012.
Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder
If you see a number of the following behaviours in a friend
or family member, it could be indicative of an eating disorder.
If in doubt, find a trusted adult or medical professional to talk
to and seek their advice.
• Rigid or excessive exercise regime
• Use of laxatives, diet pills, fasting, or purging to get rid of food
• Fear of becoming fat, regardless of weight
• Dressing in layers and baggy clothes
• Preoccupation with food and weight
• Odd rituals, such as cutting food into small pieces
• Self-worth determined by weight
• Fear and/or avoidance of situations involving food
(dinner, parties, etc.)
• Severe self-criticism
• Avoidance of eating in public
• Social withdrawal
• Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially after eating
• Need for approval to feel good about self
• Mood shifts
• Frequent weighing
• Denial of hunger
• Binge eating
• Secretive eating
• Eating very slowly or very rapidly
• Cooking a lot for others without eating
• Excessive beverage consumption, especially beverages
containing caffeine
• Excessive gum chewing
Information is adapted from Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders Inc. (ANRED)
www.anred.com