Eating disorders affect millions of people at some point in their lifetime. Some people eat too little and others, too much. In every case, those who suffer from them have an unhealthy relationship with food.
These disorders aren’t to be taken lightly. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating can lead to chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and more. Sometimes, the disorder itself can be deadly.
Having an understanding of the differences between these three eating disorders may help. Anorexia is primarily the avoidance of food intake. Bulimia involves gorging then purging. Binging demonstrates a lack of control, when someone eats a lot then suffers feelings of guilt afterward.
As with any physical or mental health condition, identifying the symptoms, whether they’re yours or someone else’s, is critical. The earlier some sort of intervention occurs, the better the person’s chance of dealing with the issue and its effects. Here’s how you can recognize an eating disorder.
Watch for Behavioral and Emotional Fluctuations
Some of the most obvious signs of eating disorders are behavioral and emotional. Many people suffering from such a disorder may do a good job of hiding these changes. However, others won’t as these changes become more and more a “normal” part of their lives.
Some people may become laser focused on calorie counts and reading nutrition labels. Their topics of conversation may move from the variety of what’s going on in their lives to only food. Alternatively, they may lose any and all interest in food entirely.
If you do observe them eating, you might also see them pushing food around their plate rather than consuming it. They may chew the same mouthful for long periods of time or put what’s in their mouths into a napkin. Leaving the table to go to the bathroom during meals may also be a sign of an eating disorder.
Extreme mood swings, social withdrawal, and becoming secretive in words and actions are also clues. Those with eating disorders often exhibit signs of anxiety and stress. Both of those can either cause eating disorders or can be caused by them.
Because eating disorders are mental health conditions that negatively affect physical health, people suffering from them may need help. Outpatient or inpatient mental health rehab is beneficial to address both the disorder and other related mental health issues. Prevalent conditions that may co-occur include mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Helping those suffering from an eating disorder usually requires more than just trying to reason with them. Their perception of themselves and of food has become distorted. Therapeutic intervention, including psychotherapy, may be the only way to put that perception back into focus.
Beware Physical Changes
Of course, eating disorders will affect the physical health of people as well. Changes in physical appearance may be more difficult to conceal, although not entirely. Take note of what you see.
Significant weight loss, especially in a brief amount of time, has always been a sure signal of an eating disorder. However, there are many drugs available now that cause rapid weight loss, so one of those could be the cause. Keep in mind as well that people can conceal weight loss with clothing.
Eating disorders often cause gastrointestinal problems, including upset stomach, abdominal pain, and cramps. Use of diuretics, laxatives, emetics, and some diet pills can also cause these types of symptoms. If you notice people experiencing symptoms without any known reason, it could be a sign of a disorder.
Women may have irregular periods or cease having them altogether as a result of an eating disorder like anorexia. Among women friends or family, menstrual irregularities can be easy to spot. Try to gauge changes in feminine product buying habits or the lack of complaints about bloating or cramps.
Other physical complications include dizziness, fainting, leg cramps, and bruising easily. People with eating disorders may develop brittle hair or lose large amounts of hair. Unexplained diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and even dental problems, like bad breath, bleeding gums, cracked lips, and canker sores are also signs.
Over time, those with eating disorders may develop shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart disease. Some are diagnosed with diabetes and even experience organ failure. Watching for signals that indicate friends are suffering from an eating disorder should be done earlier, rather than later.
Be Vigilant
The signs of eating disorders aren’t always easy to spot, especially in the beginning. You shouldn’t beat yourself up if you discover later someone has an eating disorder. People who suffer from them usually get more and more proficient in hiding them.
Remember that these disorders are mental illnesses with serious medical consequences. Lead with questions when having a conversation with someone you believe to have an eating disorder. Accusations and judgment will only make the situation worse.
There are eating disorder hotlines you can call for help and guidance. You could also consult a mental health therapist or a physician if you suspect someone is suffering from one. They may be able to offer advice about how to proceed.
Eating disorders can be deadly. Watching for signs of them among those you love, then intervening, when necessary, may just save a life.