Eating disorders are often hidden for a long time. The person living with one may not see it clearly. Family and friends may notice small changes but feel unsure what they mean. Knowing the common warning signs can help you act sooner.
Healthdirect describes an eating disorder as a mental health condition. It says a large number of Australians experience a type of eating or body image disorder. These conditions can range from mild to severe. They can have serious health effects and can even cause death.
What counts as an eating disorder
There is more than one type. Healthdirect lists anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder among the main ones. It also lists other specified feeding and eating disorders, for people with many symptoms who do not meet the full criteria for one diagnosis. Healthdirect is clear that anorexia is a serious mental illness and not a choice.
That last point matters. Eating disorders are not a phase or a lack of willpower. They are health conditions that respond to proper care. Thinking of them this way can make it easier to talk about them without blame.
Physical warning signs
The National Eating Disorders Collaboration is an Australian Government initiative. Its guide to eating disorder warning signs groups them into physical, behavioural and psychological signs. Physical signs include rapid weight loss, frequent changes in weight or staying at a low weight. They also include missed or irregular periods, fainting or dizziness and feeling cold more than usual.
Other physical signs are tiredness, sleep problems and getting sick more often. Some people have bloating, constipation or new food intolerances. Fine body hair or thinning hair can also appear. Stress fractures and bone or muscle pain are on the list too.
Signs of purging can show up in the mouth. The collaboration lists swollen cheeks or jaw, calluses on the knuckles and damage to the teeth. A dentist may be one of the first people to notice. If you are already weighing up whether to extract or save a damaged tooth, it is worth telling your dentist about any vomiting.
Behavioural warning signs
Changes in behaviour are often easier to spot than physical ones. The collaboration lists strict or repeated dieting and avoiding certain foods. Frequent trips to the bathroom during or soon after meals are another sign. So are rigid rituals around preparing and eating food.
Many signs are social. A person might avoid events that involve food or change how they act at meals. They may pull away from friends and family or become secretive about eating. Some wear baggy clothes or extra layers that do not suit the weather.
Exercise can also become a problem. The collaboration lists compulsive or excessive exercise as a warning sign. It also lists misusing medicines or other products to control weight. Substance misuse appears on the list as well, and the signs you may need drug rehab are worth knowing if that is part of the picture.
Psychological warning signs
The thinking side of an eating disorder is harder to see from the outside. The collaboration lists a constant focus on food, eating, body shape or weight. It also lists an intense fear of gaining weight. Anxiety or irritability around meals is common.
Other signs include low self worth, shame or guilt. Some people label foods as good or bad in strict, all or nothing terms. Difficulty concentrating can appear too. Depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal thoughts are also on the list.
Mental health and eating are closely linked. Stress in other parts of life can add pressure, and the links between financial health and mental health are one example. None of these signs on their own proves a person has an eating disorder. A pattern of several signs is a good reason to get advice.
Why waiting is not the answer
It can be tempting to wait and see if things settle. The collaboration advises against this approach. It says early intervention is key to better health and quality of life. Healthdirect also notes that early treatment may limit how far the illness progresses.
There is good reason for hope. The collaboration says it is possible to recover from an eating disorder, even after many years. Healthdirect says that with the right professional, social and emotional support, people can get better. Recovery is rarely a straight line, and that is normal.
How to get help
Healthdirect says the first step is to see your doctor. A GP can check height, weight and vital signs and may order blood and urine tests. They can then refer you to the right services. A doctor or mental health professional can make a diagnosis.
Healthdirect explains the treatment options for eating disorders in plain terms. Care is often given by a team that may include a psychologist, dietitian and doctor. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a common talking therapy. A family based approach is common for young people.
Healthdirect notes there is no medicine made to treat eating disorders on their own. Medicines may help with related conditions such as depression or anxiety. The Butterfly Foundation runs a national helpline that also supports worried family and friends. Lifeline offers crisis support at any hour of the day or night. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services straight away.
Rest and a calm setting can help some people feel ready to talk. Some people find a quiet break, such as a Bali villa holiday for mental health, helps them feel calmer. A break is not treatment, though. It works best alongside support from a GP and a care team.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tell someone has an eating disorder by their weight?
No, weight alone does not tell the full story. The warning signs cover behaviour and thinking as well as the body. People of any size can be affected.
What should I say to someone I am worried about?
Choose a private, calm moment and speak with care. Talk about the changes you have noticed rather than their weight or looks. Encourage them to see a GP and offer to go with them.
Is recovery possible?
Yes. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration says recovery is possible, even for people who have been unwell for many years. Early help gives the best chance.
Where do I start if I have no regular GP?
Healthdirect has a service finder that lists GPs near you. You can also call Healthdirect to speak with a nurse. Either is a good first step.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak with a doctor or qualified health professional about your own situation.
