5 Signs to Look for When Diagnosing Eating Disorders

Because of our societies focus on beauty, eating disorders in the US are on the rise. It is estimated that close to 10 million women may be affected by some form of eating disorder and these statistics may be on the rise as well. The causes of eating disorders stem from a variety of issues including emotional disorders, depression, and most often lack of self esteem. These issues can be made worse by the media that focuses on being thin as a sign of beauty and this statement is easily reinforced when one looks at the actresses and models who acquire fame oftentimes for their so-called beauty.

No matter what the cause, diagnosing these conditions and treating them as soon as possible is what is truly important. Because these disorders are often hidden by the one suffering, it can be incredibly hard to uncover them especially in the earlier stages. Here we will provide a list of five of the top signs that you can look for when trying to diagnose if you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder.

1. Being vocal about body issues - if you hear someone start to talk about how unhappy they are with their body and the way they look including using terms like “I'm too fat” or “God I wish I was just skinny” when before these issues were never a problem for this person, this may be something to keep an eye on. While some folks keep these thoughts to themselves, others start out by vocalizing them to see if others around them feel the same way.

2. Drastic changes in eating patterns - someone that suddenly changes their eating habits drastically, usually by severely limiting their caloric intake, may be heading for or already in the grips of an eating disorder. These individuals may be focused on losing weight anyway they know how and this can include stopping eating altogether.

3. Drastic weight loss - just as in example 2 above, those that stopped eating will often experience dramatic weight loss quickly. Many people around them will notice but few often say anything. If you recognize that someone that you know has lost an extreme amount of weight, it is likely that they are either suffering from an illness or an eating disorder and it is up to you to try to intervene so that they seek treatment immediately.

4. Avoidance of, or uncomfortable with, social interaction - because eating disorders often stem from disorders such as depression, those afflicted may begin shying away from other people altogether or when they are in the company of others, they are shy and reclusive. This coupled with any of the symptoms above may be red flags that an eating disorder exists.

5. Obsessive exercising combined with any of the symptoms above - those with eating disorders often begin exercising at a dangerous rate to help further their weight-loss goals. Excessive exercising coupled with starving themselves is an incredibly dangerous concoction and should be avoided at all costs.

Often times, because of wanting to avoid uncomfortable situations, people simply ignore the symptoms above and try to pass them off as simply situational or a phase someone is going through but if you truly feel in your heart that something else may exist, take it on yourself to try to intervene and help this person get help. Eating disorders are dangerous and can lead to lifelong ailments and even death at their most progressive levels. Do your part and look for the symptoms and the ones you love.