Eating disorders impact a person’s relationship with food and their body. Eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of body size, gender, age, and culture. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of various eating disorders so they can be detected early and treated with proper intervention.

By: Julianna Frank

Below are four common eating disorders and symptoms of these eating disorders. There are more eating disorders than listed in this blog post. It is also important to note that everyone experiences eating disorders differently and that not everyone will experience all of these signs. Likewise, people may also exhibit symptoms not listed in this blog post. Regardless of someone’s symptoms, all eating disorders deserve proper recognition and care.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is defined as an intense fear of gaining weight or engaging in persistent behaviors that interfere with weight gain, even though at a significantly low weight. Anorexia has two subtypes: restrictive and binge-purge. In the restrictive subtype of anorexia nervosa, people severely limit the amount and type of food they consume. In the binge-purge subtype of anorexia nervosa, people restrict the amount and type of food they consume in conjunction with binge-eating and purging episodes. This consists of eating large amounts of food in a short time, followed by vomiting, using laxatives/diuretics, or over-exercising/compulsive exercise to compensate for what was consumed.

What Are Some Signs of Anorexia?

Extremely restricted eating
A relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight
Intense fear of gaining weight
Distorted body image, a self-esteem that is heavily influenced by perceptions of body weight and shape, or a denial of the seriousness of low body weight
Denial of hunger
Preoccupation with body weight and shape
Obsession with food and its nutrients (ex. calories)
Food rituals (cutting into small pieces, excessive chewing, etc.)
Excessive/compulsive exercise and dieting
Anxiety regarding weight, meal time, and social activities or gatherings
Frequent fatigue
Dry, thinning, or loss of hair
Dry skin and brittle nails
Frequently cold, wearing multiple layers to hide body or to stay warm
Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation in women)

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is defined as recurrent episodes of binge eating and recurrent episodes of compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, fasting, or excessive/compulsive exercise.

What Are Some Signs of Bulimia?

Eating large amounts of food in a relatively short period, which is also known as binge eating
Feeling out of control with food
Eating until uncomfortably full
Intentionally vomiting after eating
Using the bathroom during or immediately following meals
Compulsive/excessive exercise to compensate for food consumed
Feeling preoccupied, worried, or sad about body or weight
Struggling to fulfill responsibilities as a result of eating patterns, exercise habits, or thoughts about appearance

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is defined as recurrent episodes of binge eating that are categorized by eating in a discrete period that is larger than what most would have in a similar period or lack of control over eating during the episode.

What Are Some Signs of Binge Eating Disorder?

Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time
Eating even when you're full or not hungry
Eating fast during binge episodes
Eating until you're uncomfortably full
Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about your eating
Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is an eating or feeding disturbance associated with one or more of the following: significant weight loss, significant nutritional deficiency, dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements, and interference with psychosocial functioning.

What Are Some Signs of ARFID?

Dramatic restriction of types or amount of food eaten
Lack of appetite or interest in food
Dramatic weight loss
Upset stomach, abdominal pain, or other gastrointestinal issues with no other known cause
Limited range of food groups that becomes even more limited

Nearly 29 million people will struggle with an eating disorder in their life. Many people believe eating disorders only affect young women, but this is a harmful stereotype that keeps people from seeking the help they need. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, races, and socioeconomic statuses. The more we talk about eating disorders and help spread awareness, the more people will feel like they can open up to someone about their experiences and struggles. If you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, you are not alone.

At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we offer two FREE Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups open to individuals seeking help and family and loved ones. The group provides a supportive forum where members can explore issues, including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options, and knowing when and how to take the next steps toward making change. RSVP for our next group here. You can also download one of our free resources to learn more about eating disorders here.

Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call below, or read more about our philosophy here.

This post was written by BALANCE Admissions Intern Julianna Frank (she/her).

Julianna is a Clinical Social Work Intern at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ and a second-year graduate student at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. Julianna is passionate about de-stigmatizing eating disorders and intuitive eating practice, which was sparked by her recovery journey. She is interested in somatic therapy and how our bodies are affected by trauma. In her free time, Julianna loves to read on the beach in the summer, go on walks with friends, watch movies on rainy days, and travel to new places.

References

“Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).” Psychiatry Online, doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.

“Eating Disorder Statistics: ANAD - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.” ANAD National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 11 Jan. 2024, anad.org/eating-disorder-statistic/.

“Eating Disorders.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders.

What Are The Symptoms of Eating Disorders?