What Are the Signs of an Eating Disorder?

It’s difficult to answer the question, "What are the signs of an eating disorder?” as they can vary from person to person. 

People living with eating disorders often don't display apparent symptoms initially. Indicators start with small behavioral changes that don’t seem like a big deal. As the disease progresses, habits escalate and become more emotionally and physically detrimental. 

Recognizing that you or someone you love might have an eating disorder can be overwhelming, especially if you miss initial indicators. Identifying early signs can be the first step towards getting help and developing a healthier relationship with food. 

Our outline of early signs of eating disorders lets you know some specific symptoms aligned with different eating disorders.

Signs of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions manifesting through behavioral, emotional, and physical signs. 

Early recognition of the signs of an eating disorder early can significantly improve recovery outcomes. 

The First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) model resulted in clinical improvements in 53.2% of young adults with anorexia nervosa versus the 17.9% “Treatment as Usual” model. 

If you or someone you love presents a troubling combination of the outlined symptoms, seek help as soon as possible. It’s the best chance for long-term recovery and management. 

Signs of Anorexia Nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa have an overwhelming fear of weight gain, resulting in extreme food restrictions. This disorder can result in dangerous weight loss if left untreated.

The behavioral signs include:

• Persistent dieting or fasting
• Obsessing over calorie or fat content
• Avoiding social events that involve food
• Cooking elaborate meals for others while refusing to eat themselves

The emotional signs include:

• Constant dissatisfaction with their body, regardless of actual weight
• Intense fear of gaining weighty
• Mood swings and irritability
• Feelings of worthlessness or lack of control

The physical signs include:

• Dramatic weight loss in a short period
• Intense fatigue and dizzy spells
• Thinning or breaking hair or nails
• An irregular menstrual cycle in females

Signs of Bulimia

Bulimia manifests as repeated cycles of overeating or “binging,” followed by “purging” behaviors to counteract the binge. Purging behaviors might include vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. 

The behavioral signs of bulimia include:

• Eating large amounts of food, particularly junk food, in a short period
• Often going to the bathroom immediately after eating
• Exercising to the point of exhaustion

The emotional signs of bulimia include:

• Feeling out of control during binging episodes
• Intense guilt and shame after eating
• Fear of gaining weight
• Low self-esteem

The physical signs of bulimia include:

• Weight fluctuations
• Swollen cheeks or jaws
• Yellowed or painful teeth
• Dehydration

Signs of Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is similar to bulimia in that it involves episodes of eating large amounts of food, but there is no purging phase after the binge. People with BED often eat very quickly, often to the point of physical discomfort. 

The behavioral signs of BED include:

• Eating even when not hungry
• Hiding food and eating in secret
• Frequent dieting, but often without weight loss

The emotional signs of BED include:

• Feeling distressed, ashamed, and guilty after a binge episode
• Having low self-esteem, particularly about eating habits and body image
• Wanting control and perfection in other areas of life to counteract the out-of-control feelings during a binge

The physical signs of BED include:

• Fluctuating weight but tending toward weight gain
• Stomach cramps 

Conclusion

While we hope you found this information insightful, understand that every individual’s experience can present differently. Seeking treatment early is possible if you know the signs of an eating disorder. 

Do not rely on this list as a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional medical advice. Only a qualified expert can provide a comprehensive assessment and guide you toward the most appropriate intervention. 

If you are experiencing any emotional or medical disorders, seek help as soon as possible to start your journey to recovery to a happier, healthier you.