It is not uncommon for an eating disorder to go undetected. The symptoms of the eating disorder might be the first indications that the person is experiencing psychological problems and distress. The signs associated with bulimia can be more difficult to detect as the person may be of normal or fluctuating body weight. Some people exhibit many signs
of a disorder, others only a few.

Possible warning signs of an eating disorder include:

■ weight loss or change, mostly due to dieting, but sometimes from an illness or stressful situation
■ preoccupation with body appearance and weight
■ periods of dieting and overeating
■ avoidance of social situations involving food
■ increased mood changes, irritability, social withdrawal
■ change in clothing style, or wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss
■ loss of menstrual periods
■ sensitivity to the cold
■ increased interest in preparing food for others (anorexia)
■ frequent excuses not to eat
■ excessive exercise
■ faintness, dizziness, fatigue
■ anxiety
■ depression
■ relationship problems
■ disappearance of large quantities of food from cupboards, food wrappers in bins
■ trips to the bathroom after meals
■ feelings of being out of control with food
■ dieting is the single most common risk factor for the onset of an eating disorder.

Addressing signs as early as possible can prevent the condition from becoming more serious, and impede the development of medical problems; most of which are reversible if treated early.