This is an eating disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, self-starvation, loss of menstrual periods, body dissatisfaction and significant disturbance in perception of shape or size of his or her body, and a body weight that is 15% below normal.

Behavioral Signs
• Signs of restricted eating such as severe dieting or fasting.
• Odd food rituals such as counting bites of food, cutting food into tiny pieces, or preparing food for others while refusing to eat.
• Intense fear of becoming fat, regardless of low weight.
• Fear of food situations where food may be present.
• Rigid exercise regimes.
• Bingeing
• Use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics to get rid of food.

On Campus Resources Counseling Services: 203-392-5475 Women's Center: 203-392-6946 Wellness Office: 203-392-6526 Health Services: 203-392-6300

Physiological Signs:


• Severe weight loss.
• Irregular or ceased menstrual cycles for females.
• Paleness or grayish tone of skin.
• Growth of fine hair over body and face.
• Lowering of inner body temperature, complaints of feeling cold.
• Dizziness and/or fainting spells.
• Dry, brittle, thinning hair.
• Malnutrition.
• Severe bowel abnormalities.
• Malfunctioning of pancreas. Damaged kidneys.
• Dehydration.
• Heart palpitations or heart attack.
• Brain starvation causing disorganized thinking, concentration problems, and mispercetpions of the environment.
• Hormone imbalances
• Death in 10% of cases.