7 Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder You Shouldn’t Ignore

At first, alterations in appetite or weight are not necessarily a serious matter. But there are times when they can refer to something more profound. Eating disorders are not a phase or a wish to eat better, but rather are complicated mental illnesses that may cause severe physical and emotional consequences. The early knowledge of the signs may be all the difference in getting the right type of assistance. The following are seven symptoms that could be indicators of a developing or existing eating disorder. These symptoms may come on slowly or all of a sudden, and they must never be dismissed.

1.   Food, Calories, and Body Image Obsession

An obvious red flag is a growing obsession with food, weight, or body size. This may manifest itself in the form of counting calories all the time, reading nutrition labels compulsively, or labeling foods as either good or bad. Such remarks like guilty after eating a meal or having to burn off meals are also warning signs. Such an attitude can eventually dominate daily life, and it would not be simple to eat or attend some social events that include food.

2.   Sudden or Extreme Eating Habits

This may be either way. Some people can begin to miss meals on a regular basis, saying they are not hungry or that they have already had a meal. Others can begin to binge eat and do it secretly, and it is normally accompanied by shame. The sudden experience where an individual switches to a diet that is very restrictive or where they have removed food groups without any medical reason is more than just a lifestyle change. These changes are most often grounded in emotional rather than medical problems. If you happen to live in the area, eating disorder therapy in Chicago can provide some systematic and caring assistance in treating these patterns in the way of less serious cases.

3.   Social withdrawal

The use of food characterizes most social events. When a person shies away from groupings, particularly those that are accompanied by food, this is the indirect manner of informing that all is not well. They may also begin to withdraw, and they may become irritable or anxious about things they previously enjoyed. The food problem is not simply the issue of hiding in the world of friends and family, but an emotional issue of having control, self-image, or fear of being judged.

4.   Physical Alterations That Cannot Be Clearly Explained

Weight loss or gain can be rapid, but other changes can be equally revealing. Fatigue, dizziness, thinning of the hair, brittle nails, and frequent stomach issues can occur. When a person appears to be always cold or has complaints about digestive discomfort, such symptoms may be associated with the alteration of eating behavior. These signs are easily ignored, but they cannot be ignored for a longer time, particularly when they are accompanied by mood or behavior changes.

5.   Extreme or Compulsive Exercise

Exercise is good, but when it is obsessive or makes one feel punished, then it is an issue. People might exercise through sickness or injury, or even be upset when they cannot exercise. Exercise as a means of earning food or burning off guilt is an indication of an underlying emotional conflict. Be careful when fitness begins to take the place of rest, relationships, or other significant aspects of life.

6.   Irritability and Mood Swings

An individual may be more nervous, depressed, or frustrated. They may also be indifferent or lack focus. Although these changes may be confused with normal stress, they may also indicate that one is struggling with food, body image, and control.

7.   Secret Eating or Strange Eating Habits

Eating disorders make their victims acquire certain secretive or ritualistic habits. This can include hoarding food in strange places, eating at ungodly hours of the night, or preparing food and failing to eat. Some people might demand to eat alone or have strict food habits. Such actions are usually the result of shame or fear and are a means of making sure that others do not realize what is really happening.

Conclusion

Eating disorders are not always identical in different people. What is universal, however, is that the longer they remain unnoticed or untreated, the harder the recovery process may be. The sooner the problem is identified, the better the chances of recovery and restoration of a normal, healthy relationship with food and body. When you see these signs in a loved one or even yourself, you should be careful and concerned about the situation.

 MBT ^pg