Eating Disorders Symptoms Symptoms of Eating Disorders By Susan Cowden, MS facebook linkedin Susan Cowden is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders. Learn about our editorial process Susan Cowden, MS Reviewed by Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS on January 03, 2021 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in weight management and eating behaviors. Learn about our Review Board Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS on January 03, 2021 Print Quiet Noise Creative / DigitalVision / Getty Table of Contents View All Recent Weight Changes Body Image Problems Secretive Behaviors Low Self-Esteem Making Oneself Sick Excessive Exercise Preoccupation With Food Health Problems Getting Help Most people have struggled with how they look at one time or another, and it is not at all unusual for people to talk about dieting and exercise. Eating disorders cross a line into dangerous territory, however, as they aren't simply an attempt to lose five pounds or tone up at the gym. They are serious, and it is important to recognize the symptoms, so you can help yourself or someone you care about get the help that they need. Do you believe that someone you love might have an eating disorder? Have you been struggling with thoughts about your own weight and/or food? See below for an overview of symptoms that might indicate an eating disorder. Note: Not everyone will experience these signs, and symptoms will vary depending on your type of eating disorder. However, these are some general behaviors that my indicate the need to seek help. Recent Weight Changes People with eating disorders are often underweight, but in some cases they may be overweight. Rapid and significant weight changes can be a warning sign. It is important to remember that some people with eating disorders are also of normal weight. Can People of Higher Weights Be Anorexic? Fear of Weight Gain or Body Image Problems People with eating disorders may have an intense fear of gaining weight, even when they're actually underweight. They may also truly believe that they are overweight when they are not. Problems with body image can prevent people with eating disorders from participating in activities they would normally enjoy. Body Image and Eating Disorders Secretive Behaviors Guilt and shame can cause a person to eat in secret or hide large amounts of food. Loved ones may notice the person leaving the table immediately after meals or find hidden stashes of food. Sometimes people with eating disorders will also attempt to hide weight changes by wearing large and baggy clothing. Low Self-Esteem A person's self-image or self-esteem may be dependent on outward appearance, including body shape and weight. They may also be perfectionists, or overly critical of themselves in other areas as well. Making Oneself Sick Self-induced vomiting or other forms of purging after meals or after bingeing is a sign of an eating disorder. Loved ones may notice that the person always goes to the bathroom after meals. Or they may find evidence of excessive laxative/diuretic use, such as pill packages in the trash. Understanding Bingeing and Purging Excessive Exercise While exercise can be a wonderful thing, sometimes a person with an eating disorder can become so obsessed with exercise that it becomes a problem in their life. Examples of this would be an insistence upon exercising at times when it is inappropriate, such as going for a run in inclement weather, or not being able to participate in regular activities because the person feels they must exercise. Could It Be a Symptom of an Eating Disorder? Preoccupation With Food Thoughts about food and nutrition can take up most of a person's thoughts and time when they have an eating disorder. These thoughts may include counting calories or fat grams, or dividing types of food into "good" and "bad" categories. Some people with eating disorders may exhibit a complete refusal to eat, while others may eat much more than the average person in one sitting. A preoccupation with food can also include an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating (also known as orthorexia). Is Your Diet Causing Intrusive Food Thoughts? Health Problems Eating disorders cause many different health problems, including physical and mental effects. Some of them may be apparent, while others are largely silent until they become serious. Physical Effects Eating disorders affect every system of the body and can lead to physical health problems like: Amenorrhea (in women, their period may stop)Brain mass lossBruisingDehydrationDental problemsDry skin and hairElectrolyte imbalancesEsophageal tearsFainting spellsGastrointestinal issues (chronic constipation, gastroesophageal reflux)Hair loss or downy hair all over the body (called lanugo)Heart problemsLow blood pressureMusculoskeletal injuries and painOsteoporosis or weakened bones Eventually, physical problems related to eating disorders can even lead to death. Mental Effects Eating disorders often occur with the following mental health conditions: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)DepressionGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD)Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)Social anxiety disorder (GAD)Substance use disorders Getting Help If you or someone you care about is experiencing such symptoms, it is important to get them evaluated and diagnosed by a medical doctor. Talk with them to express your concerns, and encourage them to seek help from a professional, such as a therapist, dietitian, or physician. Set aside time to talk about it, communicate your support, and avoid placing blame or shaming the person. If you or a loved one are coping with an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline for support at 1-800-931-2237. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Mental Health. Eating disorders: About more than food. Updated 2018. National Eating Disorders Association. Warning signs and symptoms. 2018. Roberto CA, Mayer LE, Brickman AM, et al. Brain tissue volume changes following weight gain in adults with anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord. 2011;44(5):406-11. doi:10.1002/eat.20840 Misra M, Golden NH, Katzman DK. State of the art systematic review of bone disease in anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord. 2016;49(3):276-92. doi:10.1002/eat.22451 Arcelus J, Mitchell AJ, Wales J, Nielsen S. Mortality rates in patients With anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(7):724-731. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.74 Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Eating disorders. Additional Reading American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed). Washington, DC; 2013