How to tell if I have an eating disorder
Eating disorders are complex mental health illnesses that affect millions of individuals worldwide. They can manifest in various forms and often go unnoticed or undiagnosed. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is a crucial step in seeking help and starting recovery.
There are several types of eating disorders, and the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED).
That said, the below list will not encompass every single aspect of each eating disorder; however, it does provide a general overview of signs to look for if you're questioning whether you or someone you care about might be struggling with an eating disorder.
So, let’s get into it. Here are some signs to consider…
1. Obsession with Food and Weight
Someone with an eating disorder may be constantly preoccupied with food, calories, dieting, or body weight. Thoughts about food and body image will consume a significant portion of their time and attention. They may talk about food and bodies often (theirs and others), look in the mirror for long periods of time, be obsessed with watching others eat, and may feel passionate about “healthy eating,” “fitness” or baking / cooking.
2. Disordered Eating Patterns
Significant changes in eating habits, such as severe restriction, frequent binge eating, or engaging in compensatory behaviors like purging (vomiting or using laxatives) after eating are signs of an eating disorder.
3. Body Image Distortion
Someone with an eating disorder may have a distorted perception of one's body and persistent dissatisfaction and distress regarding body shape and size.
4. Emotional and Behavioral Changes
Someone with an eating disorder may have mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability related to food, eating, or body image. Avoidance of social situations involving food and a tendency to withdraw from friends and family.
5. Exercise Compulsion
Someone with an eating disorder may exercise excessively or compulsively, feel intense guilt or anxiety if unable to exercise, and use physical activity as a means of controlling weight or alleviating guilt from eating. Someone with an eating disorder may be labeled as “fit” or “healthy” by society due to their discipline in fitness, but in reality has an unhealthy obsession with working out to control their body.
6. Secretive Behavior
Hiding food, eating in secret, binging/purging in secret, or making excuses to avoid meals with others to cover up disordered eating habits is a sign of having an eating disorder.
7. Physical Signs and Symptoms
Finally, there may be physical manifestations such as noticeable weight fluctuations, fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, fainting spells, frequent stomach issues, or changes in menstrual cycles for women.
However, I put this last because this is NOT a requirement for having an eating disorder. It is a common perception that individuals with an eating disorder have to be underweight; however, less than 6% of individuals with eating disorders are underweight. Remember, eating disorders are MENTAL illnesses and should not require physical signs to be taken seriously.
8. Other Signs
I also want to list some of the signs that are typical in individuals with eating disorders: fasting, skipping meals, constantly counting calories, obsession with fitness trackers, using coffee, gum, or lots of water to suppress hunger, constant weighing of oneself, looking in the mirror constantly, only eating at certain times, worry if you don’t eat the exact same thing every day, restricting specific types of foods (sugar, fats, carbs, etc), trying new diets constantly, restricting gluten / dairy when you don’t have an allergy, being vegan / vegetarian due to accomplish a certain desired body type, needing food to be perfect, wanting to control several aspects about your food…(this is not a comprehensive list)
Next Steps
Recognizing these signs is a critical first step. If you identify with several of these symptoms or notice them in someone you care about, seeking professional help is crucial. Recovery is possible with the right support system and treatment.
Read my blog I want to recover from my eating disorder, now what?
I really appreciate this article by NEDA on signs that you may have an eating disorder. I also like this article by Priory for parents on how to tell if your child has an ED and what to do next.
A link to eating disorder hotlines for 24/7 help.
Sending you so much love,
xx tori