Eating Disorder Red Flags

Often the early warning signs of an emerging eating disorder may be well hidden and hard to spot. Early intervention improves the speed of recovery, reduces eating disorder symptoms, and improves the likelihood of long-term recovery.

Here are 10 signs that may indicate an emerging eating disorder:

1. Obsession with food: Constantly talking about food, calories/kilojoules, or dieting, and having rigid food rules.

2. Dramatic weight changes: Rapid weight loss or gain without a medical reason, often accompanied by extreme dieting or binge eating.

3. Skipping meals: Regularly avoiding meals or making excuses not to eat, such as claiming they’ve already eaten or they’re not hungry.

4. Excessive exercise: Working out excessively, even when tired or injured, and feeling guilty or anxious if they miss a workout.

5. Secretive behaviour: Hiding food, eating alone, or going to the bathroom immediately after meals.

6. Body dissatisfaction: Constantly criticising their body or appearance, feeling ashamed or disgusted with themselves.

7. Social withdrawal: Avoiding social situations that involve food, such as parties or dinners, due to fear of eating in front of others.

8. Mood swings: Irritability, anxiety, or depression, especially surrounding issues related to food, weight, or body image.

9. Physical symptoms: Feeling cold all the time, dizziness, fainting, or experiencing stomach issues like constipation or bloating.

10. Distorted perception of body image: Viewing themselves in a distorted way, obsessing over size comparisons with others.

If you notice these warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, it is essential to

approach the problem with empathy and concern. Professional help is available from credentialed Eating Disorder Clinicians.