Physical Exam for Eating Disorders

During a physical exam for Reference eating disorders Opens New Window, the doctor will:

• Check your weight and compare it with the expected weight for someone of the same height and age. In general, a Reference body mass index (BMI) Opens New Window that is less than 18.5 in adults is considered underweight.^{Reference 1}
• Check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Many people who have eating disorders have a sudden drop in blood pressure when they sit up from a lying position or stand up from a sitting position.
• Listen to your heart and lungs.
• Examine your belly for anything unusual.
• Check your hands and feet for swelling.

Other physical signs include:^{Reference 2}

• Dry skin.
• Irregular heartbeats (Reference arrhythmia Opens New Window).
• Thinning or dull hair on the head and unexpected fine hair growth on the body.
• Low blood pressure (especially when you stand up).

Because vomiting is often part of an eating disorder, the doctor may also check for:^{Reference 3}

• Inflamed or diseased teeth and gums or erosion of Reference tooth enamel Opens New Window.
• Swollen glands in the neck.
• Broken blood vessels in the eyes.
• Teeth marks on the back of the hands or calluses on the knuckles from self-induced vomiting.
• Sores in the mouth.

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