Five signs loved one is struggling with eating disorder you shouldn't ignore
It's important to be clued into the signs that your loved one is suffering from an eating disorder.
It's Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 26 - March 3), and eating disorder charity Beat has shared some signs that should set off alarm bells to signify that someone you love is struggling. Tom Quinn, Beat's Director of External Affairs told the Mirror: "Eating disorders usually develop as a way to cope with difficult thoughts, emotions or situations. There are many different types of eating disorders which can show very differently", but he shared some of the common signs to look out for.
He also highlighted that "There's a misconception that people with eating disorders always lose weight - but people of all weights and BMIs can be affected and you can never tell if somebody is unwell just by looking at them. Eating disorders are mental illnesses, so you're much more likely to spot behavioural or psychological signs rather than physical symptoms."
Tom shared some of the signs that may set off alarm bells for you:
Seeming more irritable, struggling to concentrate, or difficulty sleeping
You might notice that your loved one is struggling to concentrate at school or work, that they seem tired a lot of the time or more irritable. Psychological signs are often the first symptoms to appear as it can feel incredibly isolating and overwhelming to be unwell with an eating disorder, and your loved one might be experiencing low mood.
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Seeming anxious in front of others
If somebody seems nervous or apprehensive about eating meals with others, takes a long time to finish their food or seems to find eating a chore, this could mean they're experiencing difficulties with food.
Hiding food, or food unexplainably going missing
If you notice food going missing, this could mean that a loved one is struggling with binge eating. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder, with one in 50 experiencing this during their lifetime, where people eat large amounts of food in a short space of time. People often describe binging as going into 'autopilot' or feeling out of control, which can be very distressing. You can also experience binge eating as part of a different eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia.
Saying they'll eat later, or that they've eaten more than they have
Through no fault of their own, people with eating disorders will often try to keep their illness a secret, so you might notice your loved one lying about when, where or how much they ate. It's important to remember that eating disorders are never a choice and that behaviours around food are never intended maliciously.
Seeming fixated on food or exercise
Seeming distressed by last-minute changes in plans for meals, wanting to prep every meal at home, or not wanting to miss a workout even if someone is sick can be warning signs of an eating disorder. We often speak to people who would avoid plans with friends and family during their eating disorder as their illness made them fixate on food or exercise above all else.
Tom said he'd "urge" you to read about the different types of eating disorders, and speak to your loved one about your concerns. There's a full list of eating disorder types and symptoms on Beat's website.
Tom said: "When you're worried about someone you care about, speaking to them about it can feel daunting. The most important thing is to reassure your loved one that you're there to support them and that you'll get through this together. Choosing a time and place when you won't be distracted – making sure to avoid mealtimes as this can be stressful – can help people feel able to open up. We'd recommend asking how your loved one is feeling and what they're thinking, rather than listing behaviours you've noticed.
"If they say that something is wrong, help them make a GP appointment as soon as possible, as the faster you can access treatment the better your chances of recovery. Even if they say nothing's wrong, keep an eye on them and don't be afraid to bring up the topic again in the next few days or weeks. People with eating disorders don't always realise they're unwell so it's important to keep encouraging them to explore how they're feeling."
If you're struggling with an eating disorder, please contact your GP, or seek specialist eating disorder support. Help is available from Beat. If you're in England, call 0808 801 0677. If you're in Scotland, call 0808 801 0432. If you're in Wales, call 0808 801 0433. If you're in Northern Ireland, call 0808 801 0434. You can text 27/7 for support too. Text SHOUT to 85258. You can also use their web chat service, or send an email. If you are in need of urgent help or medical advice for yourself or someone else please contact 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
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