Key things to look for around food:

• Eating a lot of food that seems out of control (large amounts of food may disappear, you find a lot of empty wrappers hidden)
• Develops food rules—may eat only a particular food or food group, cuts food into very small pieces, or spreads food out on the plate
• Talks a lot about, or focuses often, on weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting
• Often says that they are not hungry 
• Skips meals or takes small portions of food at regular meals
• Cooks  meals or treats  for others but won’t eat them
• Avoids mealtimes or situations involving food
• Goes to the bathroom after meals often
• Uses a lot of mouthwash, mints, and/or gum
• Starts cutting out foods that he or she used to enjoy

Key things to look for around activity:

• Exercises all the time, more than what is healthy or recommended – despite weather,   lack of energy, illness, or injury
• Stops doing their regular activities, spends more time alone (can be spending more time exercising)

Physical Risk Factors:

• Feels cold all the time or complains of being tired all the time.  Likely to become more irritable and/or nervous.
• Any vomiting after eating (or see signs in the bathroom of vomiting – smell, clogged shower drain)
• Any use of laxatives or diuretics (or you find empty packages)

Other Risk Factors:

• Believes that they are too big or too fat (regardless of reality)
• Asks often to be reassured about how they look
• Stops hanging out with their friends
• Not able to talk about how they are feeling
• Reports others are newly judgmental or “not connecting”

• Understand that eating disorder sufferers often deny that there is a problem.
• Educate yourself on eating disorders
• Ask what you can do to help
• Listen openly and be nonjudgmental
• Talk with your child in a kind way when you are calm and not angry, frustrated, or upset
• Let him/her know you only want the best for him/her
• Remind your child that he/she has people who care and support him/her
• Be flexible and open with your support
• Be honest
• Show care, concern, and understanding
• Ask how he/she is feeling
• Try to be a good role model - don't engage in 'fat talk' about yourself
• Understand that your child is not looking for attention or pity
• Seek professional help on behalf of your child if you have ANY concerns