Signs of an Eating Disorder You Shouldn’t Ignore

Concerns about one’s health, weight, or attractiveness are not the same thing as having an eating problem. These are problems that a person suffers from medically that have a detrimental impact on their eating habits. Both a person’s physical and mental health can be negatively impacted by these diseases, some of which have the potential to even be fatal.

A person who struggles with an eating disorder may develop an unhealthy fixation on maintaining a certain body weight or form, as well as maintaining strict control over their eating routines.

Because people can make a full recovery from eating disorders after receiving treatment for them, it is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. The following indicators can assist you in recognizing an eating problem, or one that is developing into a disorder, at an earlier stage.

Know the Symptoms

Some of the signs of eating disorders are readily obvious, including the following:

• Having a rapid and significant weight loss.
• a refusal to consume food
• Leaving the table frequently and for extended periods of time in order to use the restroom after meals

On the other hand, anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder may manifest itself in a more understated manner. Even though they don’t appear to be sick, a person might be suffering from a serious condition.

How can you determine whether a close friend or member of your family is in danger? Because persons who have eating disorders exhibit a broad variety of symptoms, and because eating disorders may impact a very diverse group of people, there is no foolproof method.

Anyone is at risk for developing an eating disorder. Eating disorders can affect people of any color or ethnicity, any weight or body type, any sexual orientation, or any gender. Despite the fact that eating disorders most frequently manifest themselves during puberty, the symptoms of the condition can also be seen in children and adults.

The symptoms of an eating disorder can vary greatly from person to person, and the vast majority of individuals who struggle with this condition won’t present each red flag at the same time. On the other hand, the following symptoms can indicate that there is a problem.

Cooking Meals for Other People But Not Eating

People who suffer from eating disorders may not eat themselves, but they may take great pleasure in watching others consume food. Sometimes they will go to the extreme of preparing meals for their friends and family, even if they are not going to consume those meals themselves.

It has also been discovered via research that those who have poor eating habits are more prone to watch films in which other people consume large quantities of food. Vicarious pleasure can be achieved by, for example, eating "through" other people.

Dry Skin

Skin that is dry and blotchy as a result of dehydration might be an indicator that anorexia or bulimia is still present.

According to Cynthia Bulik, PhD, founding director of the University of North Carolina Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who spoke with Health about the topic, "Regular purging and the use of laxatives can seriously dehydrate you."

People who have eating problems may not always have dry skin as the only sign of dehydration. Mouth dryness, sunken cheeks and eyes, and severe electrolyte imbalances are among potential side effects of this condition.

Russell’s sign, often known as calluses appearing on the knuckles or the back of the hand, is another alteration in the skin that might be indicative of bulimia.

In 1979, psychiatrist Gerald Russell determined that such calluses were caused by continuously rubbing the palm of one’s hand against one’s teeth in an attempt to induce vomiting.

Eating Rituals

According to Dr. Bulik, excessively strenuous exercise routines, which are sometimes referred to as "exercise anorexia" at times, can go hand in hand with eating disorders.

However, determining what constitutes "excessive" exercise can be difficult, particularly when dealing with very active young people or sportsmen.

According to research done on Norwegian high school students, there appears to be a larger prevalence of eating disorders among top female athletes (14% versus 5.1% respectively) than there is among non-athletes (5.1%).Higher frequency of eating disorders among teenage top athletes compared to controls.

The following are two warning signs: Does the individual feel out of control if they skip a day of exercise? Do they continue to train despite having an injury or being ill?

"These are pretty good indications that things have gone too far," said Dr. Bulik. "Things have gone too far."

Fear of Eating in Public

Anxiety disorders can be the cause of symptoms such as feeling bashful or self-conscious when eating in front of other people. For instance, a person could have the misconception that other people are observing them and passing judgment on them. However, it may also be an indication that eating in general has become too stressful for the individual.

According to Dr. Bulik’s explanation, "Eating can be enormously anxiety-provoking for someone who suffers from an eating disorder." "The magnitude of the challenge is only increased by doing it in front of other people."

Although it is a characteristic feature of anorexia, not wanting to eat in the presence of other people is something that can occur with any eating disorder.

"Even people with binge eating disorder will eat very small amounts when they are in public, then binge when they are alone," observed Dr. Bulik.

Feeling Cold

Feeling cold is a symptom more often associated with anorexia than with bulimia or binge eating disorder.Frequently complaining about being cold or wearing sweaters and other heavy clothing, even in mild weather, are common tip-offs in people with eating disorders

Feeling cold may be caused by malnutrition and low body fat. Body fat stores energy and helps the body withstand cold. People with too little body fat can have difficulty maintaining their internal body temperature and, in some cases, may even develop hypothermia.

Fine Body Hair

People who are consistently deprived of nutrients for lengthy periods of time may acquire hair that is fine and downy, almost like a thin layer of fur, all over their body. This condition can last for years. This material is known as lanugo.

This sort of hair growth is a physiologic adaptation that occurs as a result of dangerously low weight and a loss of body fat, both of which can be noticed in certain persons who have eating disorders.

"It is a symptom of starvation and [an] attempt by the body to keep itself warm," Dr. Bulik stated.

Fixating on ‘Safe’ Foods

The term "orthorexia" is a syndrome characterized by an obsession with "safe" or "healthy" eating.

Experts agree that orthorexia "reflects a clinically meaningful, pathological obsession with eating only healthy, ‘pure’ foods."

Orthorexia is not a recognized disorder, but according to Dr. Bulik, it can be a precursor to anorexia nervosa.

Although those with orthorexia tend to be more concerned with food quality than those with anorexia, the two disorders can coexist. For example, some anorexics stick to a very limited diet and often repeat the same meals over and over again.

According to Dr. Bulik, "cutting out foods they used to like, or even entire food groups, is one of the early symptoms when people are going down the path toward an eating disorder."

Poor Body Image

Dr. Bulik pointed out that unfavorable or obsessive thoughts regarding one’s physical size might appear early on in the illness process. These ideas are fundamental in all forms of eating disorders.

Dr. Bulik cites negative self-talk (e.g., "I’m so fat" or "I have no self-control") and misinterpreting the comments of others as warning indications of a distorted body image.

Dr. Bulik said that when young people compare themselves to idealized models like Disney princesses and performers, body insecurity can begin or worsen.

Strange Food Combinations

People who binge often cook with strange combinations of ingredients.

Evidence suggests that binge eaters may be more willing to experiment with novel culinary combinations. People who try to control their weight by cutting calories may also be more prone to inventing solutions to their hunger.

This secretive conduct is often the source of guilt for the person who suffers from an eating disorder. This embarrassment and contempt may contribute to a worsening of the illness.

Swollen Cheeks

According to Dr. Bulik, any purging-related eating disorder can cause swelling around the jawline, but bulimia is particularly linked to this symptom. Anorexics may resort to purging as a means of controlling their weight.

A buildup of saliva causes puffy cheeks. Dr. Bulik pointed out that edema can occur at any point in the sickness and is related to the individual and how often they purge.

How to Help Someone if You Suspect They Have an Eating Disorder

You are in a special position to aid a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder since many people with eating disorders say that the support of friends and family is important to their rehabilitation.

Reach Out to Your Loved One

The first step in treating an eating issue is becoming familiar with its symptoms. You should also do some research on the truths and urban legends around food, exercise, and body composition.The next stage is to have an intimate conversation with your partner. It’s a good idea to practice what you’re going to say ahead of time.

This is the time to bring up your problems in a calm manner, whether or not they pertain to food or weight. The following suggestions might prove useful:

• Stay away from oversimplified answers: A simple statement like, "just eat," might cause your loved one to become angry or irritated.
• You should avoid being labeled as assuring the person you care about that there is no shame in struggling with an eating problem or other mental health condition. Many people struggle with some form of eating problem, and recovery is feasible in most cases.
• Don’t establish guidelines or offer assurances you can’t keep: Don’t make threats such, "I won’t tell anyone" or "I’ll never talk to you again if you keep doing this."
• Make use of "I" clauses: It’s more effective to use "I" statements like "I am worried about how often you are going to the gym" or "I’ve noticed you run to the bathroom after meals and I’m worried you might be making yourself throw up" rather than "You’re exercising too much."
• Some people with eating disorders may respond well to your efforts to help them, but you should be prepared for a more mixed bag of reactions. All of these reactions are to be expected. If they respond negatively, you should restate your worries, tell them that you care, and suggest another time to talk.

It may be easier for some people to talk about the negative feelings that accompany an eating problem at first. This may be the first step toward treating the underlying eating condition. Be there for your loved one when they need someone to talk to, and remind them of the reasons they might want to get well, such as their hopes for the future and plans for starting a family.

Encourage Your Loved One to Get Help

You should urge the individual to seek professional care, such as counseling and medical examinations, since doing so considerably enhances the probability of recovery from an eating disorder. Offer to assist them in locating and scheduling an appointment with a therapist or healthcare practitioner if they do not already have one.

Inquire as to whether they would like you to go to the appointment with them. Otherwise, check in to see whether they are keeping their doctor’s appointments.

If everything else fails, you might have to spill the beans to a friend or family member about your condition. In many cases, parents and guardians of minors under the age of 18 have the legal right to insist that their kid obtain treatment for an eating problem. In the event of a physical or mental health crisis, dial 911 or get medical help right away.

You should check in on a loved one on a regular basis to see whether they are seeking or receiving therapy, but if you press the issue, they may try to avoid you.19 Make sure the eating issue isn’t the focal point of your connection. Invite them to participate in events and let them know how much they mean to you by expressing your gratitude for their presence in your life.

Resources for People With Eating Disorders

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline may be reached by phone at 1-800-931-2237 or through text message at. There is a live chat service available through NEDA that can direct you to therapy.

In reality, NEDA may steer you or a loved one in need toward free and low-cost support resources to complement (not replace) professional assistance, as well as economical treatment options even if insurance is unavailable.

Tell your friend or family member that they may reach a trained volunteer counselor 24/7 by texting the word "NEDA" to the Crisis Text Line’s short code (741741). The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline may be reached through phone at 988, or via text message. You may access one of these tools whenever you need them.

A Quick Review

A person’s physical and mental health can be severely compromised by an eating problem, and the condition can even be fatal in extreme situations.

Having loved ones cheer you on increases your odds of beating an eating disorder. If you or someone you care about shows any of the warning signs of an eating disorder, you can get the treatment they need.

Get in touch with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline if you or someone you care about suffers from an eating problem.