If you think someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder you need to know what sort of signs to look for, and what they may mean. An eating disorder is incredibly damaging, and it can even result in death, so getting someone help fast is crucial to recovery. And while some people may conquer an eating disorder, others may simply manage it for the rest of their lives, and this is something you have to accept.
There are 3 sets of signs you can look out for. These are behavioural, emotional and physical. Behavioural signs will usually be quite marked, and you’ll notice a difference the way they interact with friends, family and their general social circle. Emotional sign may be less easy to pick up on, and they may not be as marked as behavioural and physical signs, but if you look for them, you will see them. Physical signs often take a bit longer to show, but once they do, they are very clear red flags of a problem, and they really need to be addressed.
Behavioural and Emotional Signs
A major preoccupation with weight, losing weight and how much they weigh.
Weighing of food or excessively monitoring calorie intake and every bite that passes their lips.
Keeping of food journals or refusing to eat certain foods.
Cutting out entire group of foods.
Shows discomfort when eating around others.
Only orders small meals or starters and no desserts.
Plays with their food, chews excessively or insists food must not touch on the plate.
Refusing dinner invitations and social events that include food.
Overly frequently dieting.
Concern over body shape, size and clothing sizes.
Extreme mood swings and erratic behaviour.
Constantly checking the mirror and commenting on their weight.
Stopping activities they previously enjoyed, such as playing the real money pokies online NZ games NZ offers.
Visiting the bathroom soon after every meal.
Physical Signs
Weight fluctuations that are dramatically noticeable.
Gastrointestinal issues or new medical conditions or allergies.
Missed periods, heavy or very light periods.
Fainting or signs of low blood pressure.
Anaemia, low hormone levels and fatigue.
Experiencing issues sleeping.
Tiredness or fatigue that leads to long periods of sleeping.
Quickly yellowing teeth, and cuts and calluses on finger joints.
Bad breath and constant chewing of gum or breath mints.
Bad skin, greasy hair and brittle nails.
Complaining of feeling cold or feeling col even when its warm.
Falling ill very regularly and often having a cold, or similar symptoms.
Lack of self-care and hygiene.
Of course, not all these signs mean an eating disorder, but if you have any concerns or suspicions it is always best to voice them to the person involved, or to their family or loved ones. Sometimes a full-on intervention is needed to get someone into recovery, but you could well be saving their life. Some eating disorder patients only need counselling or outpatient treatment, while others with bad Bulimia, Anorexia or Diabulimia may need to spend an extensive amount of time in a clinic.