There are three major types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Early warning signs of anorexia and bulimia usually include very strict dieting and exercise. In the case of anorexia, weight loss may become apparent immediately, while individuals with bulimia nervosa may maintain average or above-average weight or show dramatic fluctuations in weight. Binge eating disorder can begin with occasional bingeing, which then develops into a pattern of frequent "compulsive" overeating.

Listed below are some of the characteristic behaviors of each type of disorder. An individual may have all or some of the symptoms in one diagnostic category or a collection of symptoms from more than one category. Identification of the disorder early and referral to appropriate professionals are important factors in recovery.

Anorexia Nervosa

• Intense and irrational fear of body fat and weight gain, preoccupation with weight management.
• Feeling fat regardless of actual body weight, repeatedly weighing self.
• Preparing food for others but refusing to eat it or avoiding events where food is being served.
• Severe dieting, secretive vomiting, abusing of laxatives or diet pills.
• Exercising excessively or compulsively
• Dressing in baggy clothes and complaining of being cold.
• Difficulty making decisions, impaired attention.
• Skipping classes or work. Fainting.
• Denying an eating problem and giving false reassurance when confronted.
• Demonstrating mood changes such as depression and irritability.

Bulimia Nervosa

• Frequent weight fluctuation. Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time.
• Hoarding and stealing food for consumption.
• Going to the bathroom frequently after meals.
• Vomiting, using laxatives and/or enemas, exercising excessively to control the weight
• Complaining of chest pain, muscle pain, dizziness, trouble sleeping, headaches, fatigue.
• Exhibiting broken blood vessels under the eyes, marks on the hands from self-induced vomiting, yellow-gray teeth from stomach acid.
• Demonstrating mood changes, depression, sadness, guilt, low self-esteem.
• Engaging in severe self-criticism.
• Abusing alcohol, other drugs.

Binge Eating Disorder

• Eating large amounts of food when not hungry, eating to the point of discomfort.
• Gaining significant weight. Eating small portions in public.
• Dieting preceding and following episodes of bingeing