The signs and symptoms for someone struggling with an eating disorder may be different for many. They are often undetectable if you don’t know what to look out for because you cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder based on how they look (unlike many myth suggests). So, here are a few common signs to look for:
Shifts in Mood
This may look like irritability, increase in anxiety or depression. Shifts in personality like becoming more introverted, isolated, or angry can also be signs.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms are not always noticeable. For example, some females may develop menstrual irregularity or irregular lab work. For others, there may be more obvious symptoms such as weight loss, weight gain, brittle or loss of hair, difficulty regulating body temperature, or compromised immune system.
Behavioral Changes
This can look like anything from isolation, not eating in front of others, frequent bathroom use, ritualistic eating, avoidance of water or excessive water intake, restriction of certain food groups, or preoccupation with food.
Shift in Performance
Sometimes in the beginning stages of an eating disorder, an athlete can see an increase in performance. However, this does not last due to the body’s inability to sustain a deficit in energy. Soon you will see a decrease in performance, such as the issues stated above.