5 Signs a Loved One May Have an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are complex, life-threatening mental health conditions, so you’d think they would be easy to recognize, but they’re not. They’re tough to spot, even in those close to you, because they develop gradually, and the initial signs are subtle. 

People with eating disorders do their best to hide their symptoms, making detection even trickier.

As a concerned loved one, how can you help?

You’ve come to the right place. At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, Babatunde Ogundipe, MD, and our team offer comprehensive treatment for all eating disorders. We can help you recognize the symptoms to watch for and learn how to support your loved one.

Although each disorder has unique symptoms, they share similarities that can impact your loved one’s physical and emotional well-being. Here are the most common eating disorders and their telltale signs.

Anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa have an intense and irrational fear of gaining weight, leading them to restrict their food intake severely. Signs include:

• Dramatic weight loss
• Preoccupation with calories and dieting
• Avoiding meals

You might also notice that they’re frequently fatigued, have thinning hair, and are overly sensitive to cold. They often have distorted body images and believe they are overweight, even when they are undernourished.

Bulimia nervosa

If your loved one has bulimia nervosa, look for cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. Warning signs include:

• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
• Dental issues from stomach acid exposure
• Fluctuations in weight

People with bulimia may feel ashamed of their behaviors, so approach them with empathy and encourage them to seek professional help.

Binge-eating disorder

If you notice your loved one consuming large amounts of food (without purging), they might have a binge-eating disorder. In addition to feelings of guilt and shame, binge eating leads to significant weight gain. Look for signs such as:

• Secretive eating habits
• Food hoarding 
• Rapid eating 

People with binge-eating disorders may be reluctant to discuss their eating habits.

Pica

Pica is one of the more easily recognized eating disorders because it involves the consumption of nonfood substances like dirt, chalk, or paper. Your loved one may suffer from pica if they:

• Eat nonfood items regularly
• Have stomach pain or digestive issues
• Have nutritional deficiencies

Ingesting items not meant for human consumption can damage the digestive system, cause overall health problems, and be potentially life-threatening.  

How to support a loved one with an eating disorder

Supporting someone with an eating disorder requires patience and sensitivity. Start by educating yourself about the disorder and approach conversations with care.

Avoid focusing on weight or appearance and instead emphasize their health and well-being. Listen actively and reassure them that they’re not alone in their struggle.

Encourage them to seek professional help; our compassionate, experienced specialists can make all the difference. Here are some of our proven approaches.

Treatment planning

Successful treatment of eating disorders requires a comprehensive approach tailored to your loved one’s needs. We develop a treatment plan that includes medical and nutritional care, along with psychological support.

We cover all the bases and address the disorder's physical and emotional aspects.

Goal setting

Setting realistic and achievable goals can help your loved one regain a sense of control and direction. Goals can include establishing regular eating patterns, developing a healthier body image, and improving coping skills.

Psychotherapy

We often use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food and body image, explore the underlying emotional issues behind the disorder, and develop healthier ways of coping.

Group therapy

Group therapy allows your loved one to connect with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and insights fosters a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, builds self-esteem, improves communication skills, and reinforces positive behaviors.

Medication management

We may prescribe medication to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring conditions. These medications can complement psychotherapy and support overall recovery.

Relapse prevention

Relapse-prevention strategies maintain progress and prevent setbacks. Developing a strong support network, identifying triggers, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can help your loved one stay on track.

TMS and ketamine therapy

If traditional treatments don’t resolve the eating disorder, innovative therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy offer new avenues for recovery. 

TMS is a painless, noninvasive procedure that stimulates brain regions involved in mood regulation, while ketamine therapy provides rapid relief from severe depression symptoms. 

By recognizing the signs of eating disorders and understanding the available treatment options, family and friends can help their loved ones on the path to recovery.

Call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora or Chicago, Illinois, or Las Vegas, Nevada, for an appointment, or request one online. We also offer telepsychiatry services.