Eating disorders and their warning signs

General
1

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are complex medical illnesses that have serious physical, mental and psychosocial consequences as well as association with high mortality rates. Eating disorders involve an unhealthy relationship with food and cause significant interference with daily functioning. Some examples of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (also known as ARFID).

What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?

•If they are not recognized and addressed, eating disorder behaviours can result in serious physical and emotional problems.

•Here are some signs that your teen may be struggling with an eating disorder and needs immediate help:

•irritability, depression and social withdrawal.

•excessive preoccupation with calories, food or “healthy eating”.

•frequent negative comments about their weight and shape.

•restriction of food intake.

•making excuses to avoid eating.

•significant weight loss or weight gain (regardless of previous weight).

•compulsive exercising.

•frequently eating excessive amounts of food in a short period of time.

•consuming food alone, at night or secretly.

•using laxatives or diet pills.

•going to the bathroom immediately after eating.

MBH/AB

12 Likes
2

The warning signs can be easily missed early on. Discussions on these topics can reduce the stigma around these disorders and can encourage seeking help.

3

Very informative and common issue,struggling many adults these days

4

Informative!

5

Eating disorders are becoming increasingly prominent in this day-to-day life; particularly among people who constantly struggle with body image, athletes under performance pressure, fashion models exposed to unrealistic beauty standards, and many others.

Eating disorders are not merely about food, they are serious mental health conditions. Early diagnosis, awareness, and intervention are essential to prevent long-term physiological and psychological conditions.

6

Eating disorders is becoming more common nowadays as people value physical appearance and diet culture is taking over. There could be different reasons behind why eating disordes develop. We should look out for these signs in people around us and try to help them have a healthy relationship with food. Proper counseling and guidance would help in the long run.

7

An eating disorder that often goes unnoticed is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It is characterised by a persistent pattern of food avoidance or highly selective eating that leads to inadequate nutritional intake. In many cases, this stems from a limited interest in food, reduced appetite, or a general lack of motivation to eat, rather than concerns about body image.

8

Eating disorders often hide behind subtle signs, and awareness is the first step to prevention. I appreciate how this post highlights the need for early recognition and support. At the same time, I feel we must go beyond just spotting signs in schools, families, and communities should actively create safe spaces where young people can talk openly without stigma. That’s how awareness turns into real change.

Of course, this is such an important reminder.

1 Like
9

Food should be treated as a vital force necessary for our bodies and cells to function properly. Developing a healthy relationship with food is extremely important, and those with eating disorders should receive proper guidance.

10

Very informative got to know more about the signs of such eating disorders.

11

Eating disorders are underrated and need immediate attention and assistance.

12

Eating disorder is one of the most commonly overlooked psychological disorder which is directly linked with the others like anxiety depression etc. It is also common in young kids and hence more awareness must be spread about it to help it diagnose earlier.

13

Great insights! In a primary care or internship setting, we are often the first point of contact. It’s important to remember that eating disorders don’t have a ‘look’—patients of all sizes and backgrounds can be struggling. Seeing signs like Russell’s sign (calluses on knuckles) or dental erosion can be a huge red flag for bulimia that a patient might not be ready to admit verbally. Educating the family to spot these behavioral changes early is one of the most effective tools we have in the recovery process.

14

very well Article..and at times food or outing is way to escape reality as well

15

Eating disorders can show up through emotional changes, unhealthy food behaviors, and harmful coping patterns that disrupt daily life.

Early recognition of these warning signs is crucial, as timely support can prevent serious physical and mental health consequences.

1 Like
16

yes early diagnosis is always important

1 Like
17

Informative

18

Eating disorders can be difficult to spot, but early recognition is crucial. Warning signs may include mood changes like irritability, depression, or withdrawal, along with obsessive focus on calories, food, or body image. Teens may restrict food, avoid meals, or show sudden weight changes. Other red flags include compulsive exercise, binge eating, secretive eating, or misuse of laxatives and diet pills.