Eating Disorder Signs
Signs of Eating Disorder Behaviors
If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, it's important to learn the eating disorder signs before it gets out of control. Call us any time, 24/7, at 1-800-941-5313. We have staff standing by to help you find the treatment you need. Call us toll-free today. Your call is completely confidential and vitally important, so don't delay, call now!
In today's media-influenced society, it can be difficult to determine what "normal" behavior is. The population is overwhelmed with images of thin supermodels and muscular men. From the time of infancy, many of us are made to feel self-conscious of our own bodies. For many, confusion sets in and an eating disorder can easily develop. Here are some of the more common warning signs that accompany many eating disorders.
Eating Disorder Behaviors - Food Related Behaviors
Since eating disorders are focused around food, there are certain eating disorder behaviors that one may exhibit when in the company of food. For instance, the individual with the eating disorder may choose not to eat if other people are present at the meal or they may take a very tiny portion of food. It's also not uncommon for the individual to avoid eating in front of other people. They may take their meal elsewhere and eat it in private.
How a person eats their food is also indicative of an eating disorder. Some people may eat their food in peculiar, almost ritualistic ways, while others may mix their foods into strange combinations before eating. Often times, the individual will chew the food, but not swallow it, or in some cases, they may prepare a large meal for the family and not eat a single bite of it.
In many cases, the individual displaying the eating disorder signs will claim that they are not hungry. Or, they may make other excuses like feeling ill, they just ate with a friend and so on.
Eating Disorder Behaviors - Bulimia, Anorexia and Binge Eating
When an individual is suffering from bulimia, anorexia or binge eating disorder they may exhibit certain eating disorder behaviors. Some of the eating disorder signs associated with these conditions may include:
- Individual shows disgust at former favorite foods
- Individual will only eat certain foods that they deem "safe"
- Individual will boast about how healthy their diet is, yet avoid many healthy foods
- Individual will read food labels incessantly
- Individual may choose to eat a massive amount of food and then purge it by self-induced vomiting
In addition, the person suffering from these eating disorders may keep a large supply of laxatives or diuretics on hand. This is to help them lose weight in a quick fashion. In serious cases, eating disorder signs may include self-medication attempts through using drugs or drinking alcohol.
Eating Disorder Behaviors - Body Image Issues
One of the driving forces in the development of eating disorders is one's distorted view of their body image. Whether it is related to a childhood where one was physically abused, sexually abused or mentally abused, distorted body image can be very difficult to overcome.
Eating disorder signs accompanying body image issues may include:
- Wearing baggy clothing
- Obsessions about clothing size
- Constant complaints about being fat even when the individual is not
- Tries desperately to lose weight with methods like excessive exercising
- Spends a lot of time in front of a mirror inspecting oneself
Eating Disorder Behaviors - Over-Exercising
Some people who suffer from eating disorders may compulsively exercise as a means to try and control their weight. This individual will choose to exercise over work, school or attend social functions. They may also consume large amounts of sports drinks and supplements in place of eating traditional meals.
Eating Disorder Behaviors - Self-Injury
Since many causes of eating disorders are based in psychological issues, it's not uncommon for an individual to try and deal with it by causing self-injury. Self-injury, or self-harm, is when someone intentionally hurts themselves. This is accomplished through a wide variety of ways, including:
- Cutting the skin
- Burning the skin
- Banging one's head
- Swallowing foreign objects
- Participating in dangerous activities
Eating Disorder Behaviors - Self-Imposed Beliefs
One of the most difficult eating disorder signs for many to overcome is their self-hatred. Some people have a belief in place that they deserve what they are going through. They may feel as though this is punishment for a misdeed. Others, meanwhile, may be trying to attain a self-imposed level of "perfection." Unfortunately, for these individuals the level of perfection they seek is always changing and never attainable. They may see a thin woman or muscular man and become enviable of their build, doing everything in their power to try and become that person, at least in the physical sense.
Additionally, an individual with an eating disorder will usually have trouble taking about their feelings. In most cases, they will simply say that everything is OK while they internalize all of their anger, concerns or issues. This will often cause the individual to be irritable at times and very moody at others. Other emotional eating disorder signs that will be evident include:
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Hopelessness
- Despair
- Meaninglessness
- Overwhelming emptiness
Eating Disorder Behaviors - Social Behaviors
People who suffer from eating disorders will exhibit certain signs in the way they act in society. For instance, individuals who have bulimia will often act sexually promiscuous, while someone with anorexia may actually avoid sexual relations altogether. Relationships in general are difficult for someone with an eating disorder. The individual can become easily conflicted as they simultaneously crave intimacy while at the same time, they are terrified of it.
In a family dynamic, it is not uncommon for the person with the eating disorder to try and dictate the family's eating choices. They may, in fact, try to get the family to eat only low-fat foods or just the foods that they deem "safe to eat."
If you or someone you love displays any of the above listed eating disorder signs, then you should find immediate help. If you require confidential assistance in locating safe and effective treatment for eating disorders, please call the national eating disorder treatment helpline at 1-800-941-5313. GET HELP NOW! All calls are confidential and help is available 24 hours a day.
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