What warning signs should friends and family look out for regarding disordered eating?

People often come to me concerned that their loved one is developing an eating disorder. They wonder if they should be concerned and want to know potential warning signs. Here are some of the symptoms I talk with them about:

Increased isolation is a big red flag. Mental illnesses, especially eating disorders, thrive in isolation. A person struggling with an eating disorder often avoids situations involving food, whether it's a family bbq, a friend’s birthday party, or an office luncheon. Negative body image, low mood, and increased anxiety are also commonly experienced and can act as barriers to connecting with loved ones and the wider community.

Symptoms vary, and eating disorders manifest differently from person to person. You may notice changes in behavior surrounding food, exercise and body. People may start to engage in odd eating patterns such as pushing food around their plate, overuse of low-calorie condiments or over-controlling how a meal is cooked (no butter, oils or fats). Someone might also spend excessive time in the bathroom, particularly after meals.

You may notice evidence of food being hidden or hoarded, or your loved one may express guilt and distress regarding what they have consumed.

You might also notice that a loved one’s exercise schedule becomes rigid, inflexible, or extreme. For example, an adolescent may continue their regular sports practices but begin adding significant exercise outside of those sessions, becoming distressed if prevented from doing so. Additionally, someone with an eating disorder may start hiding their body under baggy clothing or become anxious when clothes shopping.

There is Hope:

Eating disorders can look a lot of different ways, but all deserve support and care. Regardless of the specific behaviors, the mental distress and impacts on one’s physical and emotional wellness are significant. Fortunately, with the proper support of eating disorder specialized therapy and dietetic support, eating disorder recovery is possible.