Eating Disorder Symptoms & Signs

What is an eating disorder

An eating disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme variations from safe and healthy eating habits. Behaviors such as binge-eating and self-starvation are often accompanied by low self-esteem and distorted body image. There are a variety of eating disorders, as well as types of treatment, including the following:

Anorexia nervosa: Those who struggle with anorexia nervosa will view themselves as being overweight even though they are not. As a result, they participate in extremely intense dieting behaviors, including limiting their caloric intake, which leads to malnutrition. Individuals who are afflicted with anorexia tend to become fixated on their weight to the point that they will follow a dangerously restrictive diet and weigh themselves continuously throughout the day.

Bulimia nervosa: Individuals with bulimia nervosa participate in both binging and purging. Binging involves ingesting extremely large amounts of food, often at a very quick pace. Purging can include inducing vomiting or abusing enemas, laxatives, or diuretics to rid their bodies of the food they just consumed. Those with bulimia are typically at or slightly above normal weight, and are often afflicted with extreme anxiety regarding weight gain.

Binge-eating disorder: People who have binge-eating disorder tend to struggle with controlling their eating behaviors. In response to their lack of control, they will consume large amounts of food, often very quickly. When in the midst of an eating binge, people who have this disorder may feel as though they are incapable of stopping or controlling their eating. The periods of binge-eating are often followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and self-loathing, which can prompt future binging episodes.

Eating disorder facts and statistics

The National Eating Disorders Association reported that as of 2024, approximately 9% of people battle eating disorders at some point in their lives. Sadly, those who have eating disorders are at a greater risk of developing suicidal ideation and attempting suicide. Eating disorders often develop at a young age, with the median age of onset being around 12 and 13 years of age.

Risk factors and causes of eating disorders

Scientists and clinicians agree that eating disorders tend to be caused by a variety of different and complex factors. These factors consist of genetic and environmental influences, including the following:

Genetic: Those with close family members, like parents or siblings, who struggle with eating disorders tend to also battle similar issues at some point in their lives.

Environmental: One’s environment can play a significant role in the development of an eating disorder. For example, those who have grown up in homes with family members who were exceptionally critical about their own or other’s physical appearance and weight are more likely to battle with an eating disorder. Peer pressure and teasing at school can also influence an individual’s chances of developing an eating disorder.

Risk Factors:

• Experiencing chronic stress
• Age (teenagers are more at risk for eating disorders)
• Family history of mental illness
• Personal history of mental illness
• Family emphasis on dieting or body image
• Poor self-esteem
• Poor body image

Symptoms and signs of an eating disorder

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of eating disorders can include, however are not limited, to the following:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Secretiveness around eating
• Frequently talking about one’s body
• Forcing oneself to vomit
• Using laxatives, diuretics, or other purging methods
• Eating very little or eating too much

Physical symptoms:

• Drop in body temperature
• Missing or cessation of periods
• Extreme changes in weight
• Loss of muscle mass
• Lanugo (fine hair covering one’s body)
• Tooth decay
• Emaciation (extreme thinness)

Cognitive symptoms:

• Slowed thinking
• Obsessions about one’s body weight and/or shape
• Pervasive and distracting thoughts about one’s weight

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Poor self-esteem
• Distorted body image
• Social withdrawal
• Drastic shifts in mood

Eating disorder side effects

If eating disorders are allowed to persist, they can have severely destructive and potentially lethal results, including the following:

• Weakening of bones
• Cardiovascular damage
• Growth and developmental problems
• Occupational or academic problems
• Organ damage
• Tooth decay
• Fracture in relationships
• Death

Eating disorders and co-occurring disorders

Those who are afflicted with eating disorders and their many challenges are also more likely to battle with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorders