5 Subtle Eating Disorder Signs Worth Knowing

Did you know that over 30 million Americans have had an eating disorder or are currently suffering from one? Although anorexia is the most well-known eating disorder, there are many others. These include bulimia and binge eating disorders.

Are you worried that a loved one may be suffering from an eating disorder? Here are some eating disorder signs to look out for.

1. Not Eating in Public

One of the warning signs of eating disorders is refusing to eat around other people. People with eating disorders may be afraid of judgment if they eat around other people.

Another excuse to not eat in public is a lack of control. For example, if you are at a restaurant, then it might be difficult to see what is on the menu that is lower in calories.

2. Excessive Exercising

For people who suffer from eating disorders like anorexia, the main objective is to eat as few calories as possible. Exercise can burn even more calories, causing anorexia sufferers to sometimes go overboard.

Too much exercise can lead to exhaustion and even injury. Exercise addiction often pairs with eating disorders. Combined with eating fewer calories due to an eating disorder, this can be a potentially deadly scenario.

3. Researching Ingredients and Nutrition

Although it may be normal to look at nutrition labels, one of the signs you have an eating disorder is poring over them obsessively. People with eating disorders usually have a fixation on calories in particular, but also may try to limit sugar or carbohydrates as well. 

He or she might also look for foods that have specific ingredients, such as supplements that can aid in weight loss. Be on the lookout for an abnormal relationship with nutrition.

4. Obsessively Counting Calories

Counting calories is one of the most well-known warning signs of eating disorders. When you need to lose weight, you eat in a calorie deficit. However, people with eating disorders often take this to the extreme.

Take particular note if your loved one is severely limiting caloric intake or stressing out over the number of calories in a meal. This could be a sign of disordered eating and a bad relationship with food.

5. Strange Eating Habits or Rituals

Another hallmark sign of an eating disorder is specific habits or rituals associated with food. One example may be that he or she cannot eat on a certain-sized plate, or can only eat at certain times of the day.

Sometimes medical cannabis for eating disorders can help to combat these types of eating habits. Marijuana often encourages the appetite, so users may feel more comfortable eating normally again.

Know These Eating Disorder Signs

Sometimes it can be difficult to notice eating disorder signs, but you should always be aware of them. With these tips, you can identify possible disordered eating and help your loved one if needed.

Want to know more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Take a look around our blog for all the information you will need.