9 signs someone you love might have an eating disorder

Mood changes, hyperactivity and obsession with fitness trackers indicate eating disorders

Eating disorders can be tricky to recognise and diagnose. Signs of an eating disorder aren't always apparent, which can make it hard to help a friend or loved one whom you may suspect has a problem. In addition, many people are familiar with the signs of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, but less familiar with disorders such as orthorexia, compulsive overeating, or compulsive exercise.

If you get that nagging feeling in your gut that a friend or family member is struggling with an eating disorder, don't brush it off. Have a heart-to-heart with him/her and let them know why you’re feeling that way. Compiled from Self magazine, here is a list of signs that may indicate eating disorders.

1. Mood changes, skipping social events, and isolation

Some of the most noticeable signs of an eating disorder are changes to a person’s regular routine. For example, a friend who used to be up for anything suddenly doesn’t want to come to group functions, always has to hit the gym, and may seem down or easily agitated.



2. Adding lots of condiments to food

PHOTO: FILE

Someone with an eating disorder may add a lot of condiments to their food—more specifically, condiments that have the most flavour for the least calories. This may include vinegar, lemon juice, hot sauce, salsa, Tabasco and pepper. Obviously loving salsa doesn’t automatically signal an eating disorder, but this can be a small sign that, when combined with other eating disorder symptoms, may hint a bigger problem.

3. Refusing small food items, or counting every single one of their calories

Most of us probably don’t think about the calories in gum, breath mints, or even bite-sized food items, but someone with a restrictive eating disorder likely would. They might inquire about the calories or check the labels on even the smallest items.

4. Obsession with fitness trackers

PHOTO: FILE

It’s tough in this day and age to separate “healthy habit” from “obsession.” However, it can be worrying if someone dear to you is obsessed with fitness-related health apps. This person will never go anywhere without their fitness tracker, never skip a workout, and push their limits until they break.

5. Extremely regimented eating habits

Take note if your friend suddenly becomes unusually meticulous about her eating routine. You might also notice this person cutting up all food into tiny pieces, or ripping it into parts. These are part of the compulsive nature of many eating disorders.

6. Pulling on skin to check for fat

Some people with eating disorders can be found pulling and pinching their skin to check for excess fat. They can also become obsessed with eliminating fats from the diet, or only eating specific fats they deem acceptable.



7. Hyperactivity

PHOTO: FILE

The brain chemistry changes in men and women with restrictive eating disorders. So, while you might expect their energy levels to tank, you might notice the person can’t sit still, like they’re wired on caffeine.

8. Suddenly gaining a lot of weight

The most prevalent eating disorder is binge eating disorder, which can lead to weight gain instead of loss that even doctors can miss. People with binge eating disorder consume unusually large amounts of food at one time, and feel like they have little control once they start eating. In addition, they may eat until they're uncomfortable, feel guilt or shame after a binge, or hide their binges from others.

9. Buying large quantities of food, but glossing over it

PHOTO: FILE

Binge eaters may also be found with lots of decadent foods on hand in mass quantities. Perhaps it’s a dozen donuts or cupcakes, or four flavours of ice cream. It’s something to note if it happens frequently and with other symptoms of binge eating disorder, like refusing to eat in public or constant dieting without weight loss.

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