Three Signs Your Loved One May Have An Eating Disorder
Posted on: 29 April 2020
Eating disorders affect tens of millions of people in the United States and can have a direct impact on an individual's emotional, mental, and physical health. However, the good news is that it is possible to recover from an eating disorder. The earlier an eating disorder can be treated, the better the overall chances are for recovery. Therefore, it is crucial that you are familiar with the warning signs of eating disorders so that you are able to recognize when you or a loved one needs help. Keep reading to learn three of the most common signs of an eating illness.
Dramatic Loss of Weight
Rapid, significant weight loss that is unable to be attributed to an underlying medical condition is an obvious warning sign of an eating disorder. Understand that eating disorders are able to impact individuals of all sizes and shapes, and it is possible for the weight loss to appear as a "healthy" change in lifestyle.
Avoidance of Regular Mealtimes
Individuals who have an eating disorder will attempt to avoid eating with anyone else, and this is true whether they are at home or out in public. When one person decides not to eat with the rest of the family or group, it can be incredibly obvious when out at a restaurant or at the family dinner table. So, it is important to pay attention to any situation when someone is avoiding food, as this is a warning sign of an eating problem.
Fixation with Burning Calories
Another sign of an eating disorder is when an individual begins to get obsessed with exercising and working out. In some instances, this may be someone who talks a lot about burning off the calories that they have eaten, or it may be someone who is constantly exercising regardless of whether they are sick or fatigued.
Generally, it is women who suffer from eating disorders; however, this does not mean that men are not at risk of suffering from an eating illness as well. It is imperative that everyone is familiar with the signs so that they can seek help for themselves or their loved ones. If you believe that you or a loved one may be suffering from an eating disorder, call an eating disorder helpline or get in touch with an eating disorder treatment facility in your area to discuss what options are available in terms of treatment.
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