What Are The Signs?

Recognising the signs of an eating disorder can be the first steptoward getting help.

While each disorder has its specific symptoms, some common signs can include:

• Extreme concern with body size and shape
• Fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image
• Restrictive dieting, fasting, or avoidance of certain foods
• Binge eating episodes
• Purging behaviours (e.g., self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives)
• Excessive exercise
• Changes in mood and social withdrawal

Physical signs such as sudden weight loss or gain, menstrual irregularities in females, dental problems, or signs of malnutrition.

The Different Types

Some types of eating disorders are

• Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder marked by severe restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia may have a significantly low body weight and may engage in excessive exercise and other behaviours to control their weight.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia Nervosa involves a cycle of binge eating large amounts of food followed by purging behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives. Individuals with bulimia often experience feelings of guilt, shame, and a lack of control over their eating episodes.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, accompanied by a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in purging behaviours after bingeing.
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): ARFID is an eating disorder that involves an avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups, resulting in inadequate nutrition and significant weight loss or nutritional deficiency. Unlike anorexia, the motivation for restricting food intake in ARFID is not related to body image concerns.
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): OSFED is a category that includes individuals who exhibit symptoms of an eating disorder but do not meet the specific criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. Despite not fitting into a specific category, individuals with OSFED still experience significant distress related to their eating behaviours.