Many people think you can ‘see’ an eating disorder, but eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that don’t always cause visible changes. In fact, the first signs of an eating disorder are often a shift in behaviour or mood.
According to the eating disorder charity, Beat, in the UK alone, at least 1.25 million people are affected by eating disorders, though some estimates suggest the number could actually be as high as 3.4 million. Despite this, it takes an average of three years for someone to seek help. Low awareness and misconceptions mean many people struggle to identify problematic behaviours – either in themselves or their loved ones.
We spoke to leading psychotherapist in the treatment of Eating Disorders, lecturer on an MSc in Attachment Studies at Roehampton University, CEO and founder of Orri and former Eating Disorder Lead at The Priory, Kerrie Jones. We asked what common signs and symptoms of an eating disorder actually look like – even in those who appear to be living a perfectly ‘healthy’ lifestyle.
Here’s what she told us:
‘Eating disorders don’t discriminate, they can affect anyone regardless of age. For women as they age, things like menopause can bring significant changes to their bodies. It’s a period in life that is often accompanied by societal pressure to maintain a youthful appearance due to increased pressure in media, fashion, and fitness. Add to that oestrogen levels decline, weight gain can happen, there are changes in skin elasticity, and those shifts in body composition can affect self-esteem and body image,’ she says.
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‘If we continue to discriminate, by which I mean, if we are only looking for “white, underweight girls” we do not see the struggles of so many other people. We do not ask the right questions, we do not know how to read the important signs that tell us someone is struggling, and we do not ensure we have the right services to support people when they need help.’
Here, then, are the warning signs to look out for.
What are the signs of an eating disorder?
1. A food or tracking obsession disguised as ‘wellness’
Disordered eating can often be masked as health-conscious behaviour. Labelling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, cutting out entire food groups and having very specific portion sizes can all indicate a deeper issue at hand.
Obsessively tracking – constantly logging calories, macros, steps, or workouts to the point where it dictates daily decisions – can also be a warning sign.
Jones agrees: ‘A focus on “healthy” eating or nutrition can become a red flag for disordered eating when it becomes obsessive, rigid, or interferes with daily life. If someone is labelling food as good or bad, with no flexibility or they are avoiding social situations such as going out for dinner with loved ones, or they are spending excessive time thinking about food, meal planning and avoiding ultra-processed food, it’s worth speaking to a professional.’
2. Over-exercising or exercising to ‘earn’ food
When exercise becomes compulsive or a way to ‘make up’ for eating, this can also be a red flag. Signs of disordered exercise habits include; constantly picking up injuries, never taking rest days, feeling anxious if you miss a workout and using exercise as a way to control weight rather than for enjoyment.
‘Excessive exercise is a common warning sign of eating disorders and can be a form of compensatory behaviour,’ says Jones.
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‘It is particularly common in women, athletes and fitness enthusiasts who may mask their behaviour as a “dedication to health”. Many people with anorexia or bulimia use excessive exercise to compensate for food intake or control weight.
‘If exercise feels compulsive, punishing, like an obligation, or if people are exercising specifically to “burn off” food rather than for enjoyment or health or exercising despite injury or illness it may be a sign of disordered behaviour.’
3. Digestive issues that won’t go away
Chronic bloating, constipation and other digestive complaints are common among those struggling with disordered eating.
‘Irregular or restrictive eating disrupts and can slow digestion, leading to constipation and bloating due to reduced fibre, fluid and calorie intake,’ explains Jones.
‘Skipping meals and having irregular eating patterns can also interfere with gut motility and the natural rhythm of digestion. While elimination diets and avoiding certain food groups unnecessarily (like carbs, dairy or gluten) can alter gut microbiome balance and cause sensitivity to foods.’
Binge eating – overeating large quantities at once – can also disrupt gut health. ‘It can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to bloating, discomfort and slow digestion,’ adds Jones. ‘Eating rapidly without proper chewing can contribute to excessive gas and indigestion.’
Jones says that high stress levels can also slow down, or speed up, gut mobility, causing constipation or diarrhoea. ‘The gut and brain communicate via the gut-brain axis, meaning emotional distress from disordered eating can manifest as physical symptoms like stomach pain and bloating.’
4. Increased irritability, anxiety or mood swings
‘Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses,’ says Jones.
‘Many professionals consider them to be a “maladaptive” coping mechanism: something that developed to support someone to cope, but to the detriment of their mental and physical health. Negative life experiences – for instance, a traumatic experience – can play a role in the development of an eating disorder.
‘The trauma may lead to overwhelming feelings of anxiety and stress, and the eating disorder serves a purpose to reduce those levels of anxiety and stress in the short-term, by distracting attention and focusing it upon food, body image concerns, and other rigid, ritualistic behaviours.’
Things to watch out for: If someone becomes more withdrawn, irritable or preoccupied with food-related stress, their eating habits may be playing a role in their mental wellbeing.
5. Secretive eating behaviours
Any behaviour that involves secrecy around food can be a red flag – whether it’s hiding food, eating alone or avoiding meals with others. Someone may claim they’ve already eaten, pick at food without finishing, or make excuses to avoid shared meals.
‘Eating in secret often signals deeper emotional conflicts with food,’ explains Jones.
‘Someone might have a fear of being judged for their food choices so it feels safer to eat alone, or they might be using food as comfort. It can signal low self-worth, the person believes they are not worthy of food, or they could be hiding “bad” food due to guilt.’
Red-flag phrases that indicate deeper issues
- ‘I was bad today – I ate [X food]’
- ‘I don’t deserve to eat right now’
- ‘I have to burn this off later’
- ‘I cut out [major food group] because it’s bad for you’
‘If you notice someone using these phrases frequently and they are accompanied by changes in eating habits, mood, or weight, they may be signs of disordered eating or an eating disorder,’ says Jones.
What to do if you recognise these warning signs
If you are wondering whether you have an eating disorder, you may have lots of questions, thoughts and feelings. You may have noticed changes in your behaviour, or other people might have told you that they’re concerned about you – even if you don’t agree.
It’s important to remember that eating disorders can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, or background. But you are not alone, and help is available.
Jones urges anyone who recognises these warning signs to speak to a professional.
‘We know that there can be a lot of unknowns at this stage. Emotions may be heightened, and the prospect of treatment might feel incredibly daunting, but recovery is possible and the sooner someone asks for help the sooner they can recover,’ she says.
‘If you’re worried about someone, and if you notice their eating patterns are changing, the really important thing is to have a conversation,’ she adds.
‘A gentle curious enquiry such as “I’m noticing that you don’t seem yourself”, or “I’m a little bit worried about you” is a really open way of starting the conversation. People with eating disorders can be really good at hiding the eating disorder, so trust your intuition. If you notice that something is different from how it used to be, start the conversation.’
If you need help with your or someone else's eating disorder
- Get in touch with your GP and explain what’s going on, so you can be referred for specialist help
- If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help and support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 for free and confidential support.
This article originally appeared on Women’s Health U.K.
