Society, as a whole, places a lot of emphasis on body image. We are constantly inundated with fitness models, celebrities, and influencers who seem to have it all together. They are fit and beautiful.

When you already struggle with self-esteem issues, seeing people who "fit the mold" can be really disheartening. It can wrongly make someone feel as if they are not enough. Because of all of this and more, eating disorders are on the rise. Many people assume that eating disorders only affect women, but the truth is that men are equally at risk for developing one. Teenagers, especially, are at a greater risk. Here are some signs to look for if you are unsure if someone you love has an eating disorder.

Signs Of Eating Disorders

Changes In Weight

Most people will have fluctuations in their weight so that in itself isn't a huge red flag. However, it can be a sign of a larger issue if someone has had a lot of weight loss or gain over a short period of time.

We also say gain because while anorexia and bulimia might be the most commonly known eating disorders, they aren't the only ones. Emotional over-eating is also a type of distorted eating. Specific signs to look for are:

• Obsessively counting calories

• Restricting food intake

• Exercising constantly to "achieve" or "maintain" their ideal body weight.

Body Image Issues

Those with an eating disorder likely have negative views of themselves. While the comments might be subtle, they can point to a larger issue, such as poor self-esteem or a warped sense of what their body looks like. They may excessively criticize their body, weight, or appearance.

Abnormal Eating Habits

Another sign of eating disorders is when someone is either:

• Meticulously planning out their meals

• Avoiding social gatherings that might involve food

• Consistently saying, "They aren't hungry," at any gatherings

Additionally, those with an eating disorder might have strict food rules, such as not eating any certain type of food group (such as carbs), or develop rituals around their eating to help them manage meal time more effectively.

Some people may binge eat, which is when a large amount of food is consumed in a short period of time.

Physical Signs

Eating disorders have a massive impact on the mind as well as the body. The following is not an exhaustive list of the physical impacts of eating disorders, but these are the most common ones.

• Weight loss or gain

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Poorly regulated body temperature

• Dental issues

• Imbalances in hormones

• Headaches

• Stomach issues

• Muscle weakness

• Irregular sleep patterns

• Difficulty healing from wounds

• Weakened immune system

Different Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is perhaps the most widely recognized eating disorder. It is marked by individuals who believe they are overweight. To counteract this, they severely restrict their eating habits, causing dramatic weight loss.

Bulimia Nervosa

This is another type of eating disorder that is widely recognized. If someone is bulimic, they will consume a large amount of food in a short period of time. They will eat until they are overstuffed. Then, they will force themselves to purge the food out of guilt and shame through either vomiting, fasting, or taking laxatives to compensate.

Healing From Eating Disorders Is Possible

Eating disorders wreak havoc on a person's body and mind. Eating disorders, by no means, are impossible to overcome. Recovery from them is very possible. However, recovery is easier with the right treatment plan with a team of licensed professionals who specialize in eating disorders.

Therapy is a powerful tool that can help someone heal their mind and soul from an eating disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering, reach out to us to learn more about eating disorder treatment.