5 Symptoms of an Eating Disorder
People’s exposure to social media has increased the prevalence of eating disorders. Teenagers, in particular, spend the majority of their time on social media and are influenced by models, which causes them to develop an eating disorder.
Let’s look at the most common signs in people who have an eating disorder so we can protect our loved ones and get them on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
1. A Shift in Eating Patterns
For example, eating alone, hiding food, eating slowly, or cutting/separating food into small pieces. They may become fixated on food and recipes, cooking for others while restricting their own intake.
There could be a pattern of eating when you’re not hungry, eating until you’re uncomfortable, and then feeling depressed, disgusted, or guilty afterward.
2. Increased attention paid to body weight or shape
concentrating on diets or weight loss more than normal, possibly with a strict or excessive exercise schedule carried out even when injured or tired.
They may be constantly concerned or complaining about their weight, or they may believe they need to reduce weight.
3. Emotional downfalls
Anger and violent behavior, particularly self-directed aggression, are common in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa patients.
They complicate the clinical symptoms, alter the prognosis, and make therapy of certain conditions more complicated.
4. Alterations in Appearance
The most evident warning indicator is considerable or unusual weight loss or swings. They may deny that they are underweight.
Puffy cheeks, knuckle calluses from vomiting, hair loss, dry hair or skin, sensitivity to cold, absent or irregular menstruation, excessive face or body hair, strange sleep patterns, or a faint or exhausted feeling are some of the other physical indications.
5. Withdrawing from family or friends is a common symptom.
Avoiding stressful or anxiety-inducing circumstances They may isolate themselves by refusing to attend social occasions or engage in activities that they normally like.
Article Verified by:
- National Eating Disorders Collaboration: https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/the-facts/whats-an-eating-disorder/
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-of-an-eating-disorder#emotional-signs