Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy and often extreme behaviors related to food, eating, and body image. They can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or body size — and they can have a serious negative impact on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.
If you think your loved one might have an eating disorder, it’s normal to be worried. Eating disorders can be difficult to detect at first, but learning to recognize early signs can make a big difference in getting your loved one the care they need.
Our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates offers treatment for anorexia and bulimia. We work with patients and their families and friends to provide education and support, and here we give you five signs that may indicate a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder.
One of the most common signs of an eating disorder is an obsession with food and body weight. You might notice your loved one talking excessively about calorie intake, food restrictions, or weight loss, even if their body weight is normal or underweight. They might also develop concerning eating habits, like skipping meals or following extreme diets.
Unexplained and rapid changes in weight can be another sign of an eating disorder. Some eating disorders, like anorexia, cause weight loss, but others, like bulimia, cause fluctuations in weight or even weight gain.
Even if your loved one says they’re making healthy eating choices, if their weight changes drastically in a short period, it might be a sign of an underlying eating disorder.
People with eating disorders often isolate themselves and avoid social situations, particularly if those situations involve food. Your loved one may become increasingly withdrawn and refuse to attend family meals, dinner parties, or outings with friends.
Anxiety and depression frequently accompany eating disorders, too. These mental health conditions can also cause social withdrawal, and your loved one may even pull away from social interactions that don’t involve food.
A heightened focus on body image is another common sign of an eating disorder. Your loved one might express dissatisfaction with their appearance, constantly checking themselves in mirrors or criticizing their body. This preoccupation often goes beyond normal concerns about appearance, and it can indicate a deeper issue with self-esteem and body dysmorphia.
Physical signs can sometimes be the most noticeable indicator of an eating disorder, but they aren’t always obvious at first. Symptoms of eating disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder, but they can include fatigue, dizziness, thinning hair, dry skin, and brittle nails.
People with bulimia may have swollen cheeks, broken blood vessels in their eyes, or worn enamel on their teeth from frequent vomiting. Constipation, stomach pain, and irregular menstrual cycles are common in people with anorexia and other restrictive eating habits.
If you think your loved one may have an eating disorder, approach the situation with care and understanding. Avoid making comments about their appearance or eating habits, because this can make them feel defensive or ashamed. Instead, focus on sharing your concern for their well-being.
Offer support by letting them know they can talk to you, and encourage them to seek professional help. At Boston Neurobehavioral Associates, our experienced team uses therapy to address underlying emotional and psychological issues, teach healthier coping strategies, and promote a balanced relationship with food and body image.
It’s also helpful to educate yourself about eating disorders, so you can better understand your loved one. Patience is key — recovery from an eating disorder is a long process that requires compassion and understanding.
Remember that you can’t force someone to seek help if they’re not ready, but you can offer emotional support and a positive, non-judgmental environment. Learn more about navigating eating disorders and how you can help a loved one with a consultation at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates.
Schedule online for in-office or telehealth appointments, or call us today.
