Eating disorders often develop gradually, making it difficult to recognize the warning signs until they have taken hold. However, early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. If you or someone you love is exhibiting any of these early signs, it may be time to seek support.

1. Preoccupation with Food, Calories, or Dieting

One of the earliest warning signs of an eating disorder is an increased focus on food, dieting, and calorie counting. A person may start obsessively tracking their intake, eliminating entire food groups, or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” You may notice this started as a desire to “be healthier”, “eat better”, or to “just cut out __ food/drink” but it has morphed into more rigid rules around food and increased stress and anxiety around meals. You may notice they are writing down all the food they eat or logging all the calories they consume in an app. 

2. Changes in Eating Habits

Another sign could be noticeable changes in eating behaviors, such as skipping meals, avoiding social situations involving food, or developing rigid eating rituals. This can indicate a deeper issue happening for a person and their relationship with food. Some individuals may claim they are “not hungry” or insist on eating alone. Some might start turning down opportunities to eat socially or to do things involving food. You may notice them pushing food around their plate instead of eating or having strict food rules that inhibit normal eating, such as a new strict type of diet (veganism, food intolerances, etc.)

3. Excessive Exercise

While regular movement can be beneficial, an obsession with exercise—especially as a means to compensate for eating—is a red flag. Someone may work out excessively, even when injured, exhausted, or sick due to an intense fear of weight gain or feeling extremely guilty if they miss a workout. There is a high level of distress when they cannot meet the exercise goals they set or exercise to “earn” or “offset” food. 

4. Emotional Changes and Mood Swings

Eating disorders often go hand in hand with emotional distress. Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from loved ones can indicate an underlying struggle with food and body image. You may notice little things seem to set the person off or cause them to shut down. They may seem more withdrawn and aloof. There may be fights or increased defensiveness around meal times, when food is brought up, or when their eating habits/behaviors are being questioned. 

5. Drastic Weight Fluctuations

Although not all eating disorders result in noticeable weight loss, drastic weight changes (either up or down) can signal a problem. It’s essential to focus on behaviors rather than weight alone, as eating disorders affect individuals of all sizes. One does not need to be at a “clinically low weight” to have an eating disorder. 

6. Body Dissatisfaction and Negative Self-Talk

A person struggling with an eating disorder may frequently criticize their appearance, express dissatisfaction with their body, or engage in extreme body-checking behaviors such as mirror checking, pinching body fat, or weighing themselves multiple times a day. You may notice them wearing baggy clothes more often or constantly trying to cover themselves up. They may avoid situations where they have to show their body more, like going to the pool, beach, being out in the heat, etc.

7. Secretive or Avoidant Behavior Around Food

If someone is frequently excusing themselves after meals, hiding food, or eating in secret, they may be struggling with an eating disorder. Other behaviors, such as hoarding food or binge eating in private, can also be warning signs.

8. Physical Symptoms

Persistent fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning, brittle nails, and digestive issues can all be physical manifestations of an eating disorder. Irregular menstrual cycles or loss of menstruation in those who menstruate is another critical sign. They may complain of being cold more often than others or experience a brain fog or difficulty retaining information.

When to Seek Help

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to reach out for professional support. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, but recovery is possible with early intervention. A registered dietitian, therapist, and a physician specializing in eating disorders can provide guidance and resources for healing. 

You Are Not Alone. Eating disorders are serious and deadly psychiatric conditions that affect 9% of the US population in their lifetime. Many people feel ashamed about their struggles or don’t feel like they are “sick enough” to require help, but I am here to tell you that if your relationship with food is affecting your quality of life in any way, you deserve help. Recovery is possible, and help is available.

At Peachy Nutrition, all of our dietitians specialize in treating clients with eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieters, and helping folks interested in learning about Intuitive Eating. You do not need an “official” eating disorder diagnosis to begin working on your relationship with food. We are here to help at all stages, even if you are still hesitant about wanting recovery or if feel too deep in to recover. If you suspect you or someone you love may have an eating disorder or need help with their relationship with food, please reach out, and we would be happy to provide resources and talk through the recovery process.