Warning Signs Of An Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are serious mental disorders that can have serious long-term medical consequences, and can even be fatal. They are not a lifestyle choice, a phase of adolescence, attempts to eat healthily, or an expression of vanity. Eating disorders are characterised by abnormal or disturbed eating behaviours, which are often associated with extreme concerns about weight, physical appearance and/or eating. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are the most common eating disorders.
While it is still unclear exactly what causes eating disorders, there is growing consensus that they are due to a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. They can affect people of all ages (including before puberty), genders, religions, ethnicities, body shapes, and weights. Having said that, teenagers and young adults are particularly at risk, and eating disorders are more prevalent in young women.
It is common for people struggling with an eating disorder to try to hide their problem because they feel shame or guilt, or because they do not want to give up their behaviours. This can make it difficult to recognise the signs, particularly early on in the illness.
The earlier an eating disorder is detected, the better the chance of early intervention and successful recovery.
Awareness of some of the warning signs of an eating disorder is therefore very important.
The following signs are not intended to be used as a checklist to determine whether someone has an eating disorder. Symptoms will vary depending on the type of eating disorder being experienced, and an individual with an eating disorder is unlikely to have all of these signs. Rather, they may be used as a guide as to the types of behaviours and symptoms that suggest there may be a problem requiring further investigation.
Signs To Look For That May Indicate An Eating Disorder
Insecure body image: Strong negative focus on weight, body size and shape, or specific aspects of their appearance. Preoccupation with themselves and/or others as being ‘fat’. A change in clothing style (e.g. wearing baggy clothes) to hide their body.
Weight changes: Constant changes in weight, or rapid weight loss.
Excessive exercise: Exercising compulsively (sometimes up to several hours a day), executing a set number of repetitive exercises, and/or becomes distressed if interrupted or unable to exercise.
Food restriction: Keeping to increasingly strict diets (unrelated to actual weight), avoids specific food groups (e.g. carbohydrates), calorie counting, fasting, skipping meals, or lack of interest in food.
Ritualistic eating patterns: Cutting food into tiny pieces (and not actually eating much) or careful measuring of food portions are examples of this.
Cooking for others: Ongoing strong focus on food, recipes, or cooking. Preparing elaborate meals for others, but not joining in the eating.
Avoiding eating in front of others: Avoids eating in public and finds ways to not eat with family or friends. Avoiding meals or situations where there will be food.
Overeating/bingeing: Often (secretly) eats large amounts of food and seems to be out of control during these episodes. Eats when not hungry and/or eating to the point of discomfort.
Eating secretively: This might be noticed by large amounts of food disappearing from the kitchen, having been eaten (e.g. finding empty food containers, packets or wrappers), or being hoarded.
Purging: Using vomiting, laxatives, diuretics or diet pills in an attempt to compensate for eating. This may be noticed because purging often involves going to the bathroom during, or immediately after, eating.
Social withdrawal: Becoming isolated, withdrawing from usual social activities, family and friends. This may be more obvious after eating or when others comment on their eating behaviours and/or appearance.
Physical symptoms: Feeling light-headed, tired/lethargic, and/or easily cold. Changes in sleeping patterns. Girls/women may stop menstruating or develop an irregular cycle.
Psychological signs: Low self-esteem, anxiety, low mood, irritability and feeling like life is out of control, may also accompany an eating disorder.
If someone you care about is displaying abnormal or disturbed eating habits, is avoiding eating, and/or is anxiously preoccupied with food, body weight or body shape, consider the possibility that they may be struggling with an eating disorder. Let the person know you are concerned about them in a calm, caring and clear manner. While you can be supportive and caring, it is also important that you encourage them to seek help from a trained professional. Consider talking to your GP or paediatrician in the first instance if it is your child you are concerned about.
Further information:
The Butterfly Foundation (https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au)