BLOG

Signs of eating disorders are not always the same, and will depend on whether the individual is suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or one of the other eating disorders instead. Usually the signs of eating disorders are well hidden and eating is shrouded in secrecy. The person with anorexia nervosa or bulimia does not want others to know that their food consumption may involve specific rituals or how often and how much they eat. Compulsive eating often cause a weight gain and this may be hidden by using baggy clothing. One of the top signs of eating disorders is frequent weight fluctuations, whether the weight is lost or gained. Someone who binges and purges may force themselves to vomit after eating excessively or use laxatives regularly to help them eliminate weight.

Some signs of eating disorders are easier to spot than others, and if you know or suspect that someone you care about has anorexia nervosa or one of the other eating disorders then you should encourage them to get the help that they need. These conditions are often characterized by a distorted body image as well as a sense of control over food that may be missing in other areas. If someone you know is always talking about how fat they are when this is obviously not true then you should discuss the possibility that this is one of the signs of eating disorders. If left untreated eating disorders can have serious health and medical consequences and these can lead to death in some cases.