Signs Someone You Know May Be Struggling with an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are estimated to effect more than 1.7 million Canadians each year. Since the pandemic, eating disorders in all populations have skyrocketed with adolescents and young adults seeing the largest increase. Eating disorders are a complex and dangerous mental health condition that are categorized by the DSM-IV. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health conditions, including depression. Eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and they can happen to anyone at any point in their life.
There are several types of eating disorders, each characterized by different patterns of behavior related to food, emotions, body image, and weight. Some of these disorders are more known than others such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, whereas the less common ones include Orthorexia Nervosa, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, Night Eating Disorder and Rumination Disorder.
It is important to understand that anyone and everyone with an eating disorder experiences it differently. Eating disorders effect a person’s physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being and are often about more than just weight and body image. Recognizing the warning signs of someone struggling with any form of an eating disorder plays a crucial role in the early intervention, support, and treatment. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of different types of eating disorders can help continue to bring awareness and advocacy for those struggling.
Some warning signs you can look for include:
Irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Trouble concentrating and focusing with decreased performance in work and school.
Social withdrawal and isolation. excessive preoccupation with calories, food or "healthy eating".
Negative comments about their weight and shape.
Restriction of food intake, including deliberate and non-intentional.
Making excuses to avoid eating or eating with others.
Significant weight loss or weight gain (regardless of previous weight).
Compulsive exercising or preoccupation with fitness.
Eating excessive amounts of food in a short period of time.
Consuming food alone, at night, or secretly.
Consuming days food all in one sitting.
Using laxatives or diet pills.
Going to the bathroom immediately after eating.
Abnormal menstrual periods.
Complaining of stomach pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Low heart rate and blood pressure.
Frequent dizzy or fainting spells.
What to do if you think someone is struggling?
Start by talking to them. It is important that the person does not feel judged. Supporting someone with an eating disorder requires empathy, understanding, and encouragement. Try opening the conversation using I statements such as “I've noticed that you may be going through a rough time lately. I'm here to listen or talk and see if I can help." Or “I value our relationship, and I want to understand more about what you're going through. Please share with me when you're comfortable”.
It is important to encourage seeking professional help as well, as eating disorders often require specialized support from healthcare professionals, therapists, or counselors. Offer your assistance in helping the person find or locate these professionals. If you feel as though you need more support in helping yourself or someone else, below is a list of online resources that can help you.
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) 1-866-663-4220 or 416-340-4156 in Toronto
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED)
Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder Foundation of Canada
Eating Disorders Association of Canada
1. Stone, K. D., Dimitropoulos, G., & MacMaster, F. P. (2021). Food for Thought: A Dissonance Between Healthcare Utilization Costs and Research Funding for Eating Disorders in Canada. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry = Journal de l'Academie canadienne de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, 30(3), 197–203.
2. Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A.J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68, 724-731
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