Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can lead to harmful behaviors and physical health complications. These disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, they are more commonly found in young females.

If you or a loved one is showing signs of an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Here are 12 warning signs of an eating disorder that you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Rapid Weight Loss or Gain

One of the most common signs of an eating disorder is rapid weight loss or gain. People with anorexia nervosa may experience severe weight loss and become extremely underweight.

On the other hand, people with binge eating disorder may experience rapid weight gain. These changes in weight can happen over a short period of time and without any medical explanation.

2. Obsession with Food

People with eating disorders often become obsessed with food. They may spend hours thinking about food, planning meals, or preparing food. They may also become fixated on counting calories, measuring food portions, or avoiding certain foods altogether.

3. Excessive Exercise

Excessive exercise is another common sign of an eating disorder. People with bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa may engage in rigorous exercise routines to burn calories, lose weight, or control their weight.

They may exercise even when they are tired or injured and continue to do so even when their doctor recommends against it.

4. Distorted Body Image

People with eating disorders often have a distorted body image. They may perceive themselves as overweight or obese, even if they are underweight.

They may also have a fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat.” This distorted body image can lead to harmful behaviors such as restricted eating or excessive exercise.

People with eating disorders may also become socially isolated. They may avoid social situations that involve food, such as going out to eat with friends or family.

They may also withdraw from friends and activities they once enjoyed to spend more time thinking about their food and weight.

6. Mood Swings

Mood swings are another common sign of an eating disorder. People with these disorders may experience mood swings, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, or anger.

These mood swings can be caused by the physical effects of the disorder or the emotional stress of having an eating disorder.

7. Changes in Eating Habits

Changes in eating habits are another warning sign of an eating disorder. People with these disorders may skip meals, eat very small portions, or eat large amounts of food.

They may also have weird eating habits, such as cutting their food into small pieces or chewing their food excessively. They may also eat alone, or in secret.

8. Obsessive Behavior

People with eating disorders may also exhibit obsessive behaviors. They may become obsessed with weighing themselves, checking their body in the mirror, or measuring their body fat percentage.

They may also have rituals associated with eating, such as eating food in a certain order or at a particular time of day.

9. Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms are another warning sign of an eating disorder. People with these disorders may experience a variety of physical symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or fainting. They may also have dry skin, hair loss, or brittle nails.

In severe cases, they may experience organ failure or electrolyte imbalances.

10. Fear of Eating in Public

People with eating disorders may also have a fear of eating in public. They may avoid eating in front of others, even close family or friends. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their eating habits or afraid of being judged.

11. Secretive Behavior

People with eating disorders may also engage in secretive behavior. They may hide food or eating utensils, lie about their eating habits, or pretend to eat when they’re not.

They may also visit the bathroom frequently after eating to purge or take laxatives.

12. Denial

Lastly, people with eating disorders may deny that they have a problem. They may become defensive or angry when confronted about their eating habits or weight.

They may also downplay the physical or emotional effects of their disorder, and refuse to seek help or treatment.

Conclusion

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have harmful physical and emotional effects. If you or a loved one is showing signs of an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to recover from these disorders and live a healthy, fulfilling life.