How to Tell if Your Friend May Have an Eating Disorder

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Everyone is different, especially when they’re dealing with internal struggles that result in anxiety, mood imbalances, and even eating disorders. While there are no straightforward methods of determining whether or not someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, there are both physical and mental changes that may indicate that something is amiss and requires attention.

 

 

Dear Readers,

 

Please find below an article that was sent to us by Dr. Tasnova Malek, National Suicidal Prevention Center, Bangladesh Medical College. Thank you for this submission.

How to Tell if Your Friend May Have

an Eating Disorder

 

Approximately 24 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. According to Marie Galmiche et al., the prevalence of eating disorders worldwide  “increased 3.5% for the 2000–2006 period to 7.8% for the 2013–2018 period.”  Eating disorders are connected to a variety of ailments and triggers, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of how to identify them if you believe your friend is suffering from one.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

There are numerous eating disorders that affect millions of children, teens, and adults each year. The most commonly referred to eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Familiarize yourself with the various eating disorders to have a better understanding of what your friend may be experiencing or which disorder they are struggling with.

  • Anorexia nervosa: Anorexia is said to impact up to 3-0.4% of all women and 0.1% of all men. It involves intentionally avoiding eating in hopes of losing weight or due to conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD.
  • Binge eating disorder (BED): Binge eating disorder involves eating larger-than- average quantities of food while coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other trigger-based scenarios.
  • Bulimia nervosa: Bulimia involves consuming foods only to purge, or, vomit them afterward to avoid additional caloric intake. Bulimia may involve many other factors besides conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder.
  • Compulsive exercise: While exercising is usually healthy, excessive or compulsive exercise can be destructive. Compulsive exercisers may work out multiple times a day, or for hours at a time, with a goal of losing weight instead of simply enjoying the activity.
  • Co-occurring disorders: It’s also possible for your friend to experience multiple disorders at once, which is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of each.

Does Your Friend Have an Eating Disorder?

 

Eating disorders aren’t always clear-cut to friends and family. In fact, those who struggle with them are much more likely to find ways to hide their habits and their suffering, even as it begins to affect them physically.

Some signs of an eating disorder include:

  • No longer eating in public.
  • Constantly self-shaming and making derogatory comments about their bodies.
  • Isolating and withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once loved.
  • Taking drastic measures to change and alter their weight and appearance.

How to Tell if Your Friend May Have an Eating

Disorder

Everyone is different, especially when they’re dealing with internal struggles that result in anxiety, mood imbalances, and even eating disorders. While there are no straightforward methods of determining whether or not someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, there are both physical and mental changes that may indicate that something is amiss and requires attention.

Mental and Emotional Impact of an Eating Disorder

Some of the most common mental and emotional signs you may notice in a friend who is struggling with an eating disorder are:

  • An obsession with weight and calorie-counting: Your friend may be obsessed with tracking everything they eat, using apps at all times, and monitoring every bite they take.
  • Preoccupation with their physical appearance: If your friend is obsessed with their looks and is unhappy with their body, regardless of how healthy they are, they may be struggling with an eating disorder.
  • Social isolation and withdrawal: A friend who is struggling with a severe eating disorder may withdraw from others. They may avoid social gatherings where food is present or where eating is involved.
  • Stashing or hoarding foods: If your friend is struggling with Binge Eating Disorder, you may discover that they’re hoarding and stashing foods under their beds, in drawers, or even in hidden compartments throughout their home or bedroom.
  • Low self-confidence and self-esteem: Having lowered self-worth is often indicative of deeper issues. It’s not uncommon for those struggling with an eating disorder to also battle with their self-image and self-esteem.

Physical Signs of an Eating Disorder

You may begin to notice physical signs of an eating disorder in your friend, such as:

  • Pulling their skin compulsively to check for body fat
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Weight loss without proper nutrition and exercise
  • Bad breath and poor oral hygiene
  • Loss of teeth or broken and brittle teeth due to vomiting or poor oral hygiene
  • Excessive fatigue, often due to poor nutrition
  • Dizziness and weakness
  • Increased joint and muscle pain due to poor nutrition
  • Dehydration

Over time, an eating disorder will break down the body due to a lack of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Identifying and treating an eating disorder as quickly as possible is imperative to prevent long-term bodily harm and irreversible damage.

How to Broach the Subject With Them

Broaching the subject of eating disorders with a friend is not always an easy task, even if you feel close and connected with your friend or if you have known them for most of your life. When you’re ready to discuss the matter with your friend, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Assess the situation: How long do you believe your friend has been struggling with an eating disorder? Why do you believe they are struggling with an eating disorder? Is your friend capable of being confronted with difficult truths and honest discussions? Assess the situation to determine the best course of action to avoid having your friend shut you out completely.
  • Location: Where can you talk to your friend privately? Are you comfortable enough to spend time alone discussing the matter?
  • Tone: Don’t approach your friend with a defensive or argumentative tone, as eating disorders are often indicative of deeper mental and emotional struggles. Strive for an approachable tone, non-threatening tone.
  • Offer help and resources: Offer your friend resources and help without being overly pushy or forward. Assure your friend that you’re available to help at any time when they’re ready.
  • Give them space: Always give your friend the space they need whenever you broach a sensitive topic, even if they seem receptive to the discussion and accepting help.

Seeking guidance and support for an eating disorder is extremely important, especially if your friend doesn’t feel capable of facing their struggles on their own.

Although it’s not always easy, it’s often necessary to confront a friend or loved one directly if you believe they’re struggling with an eating disorder. While never simple, having a necessary discussion with your friend can help you to get them to open up and get them the help they need to recover.

 

 

Sources

 

rchsd.org – I Think My Friend May Have an Eating Disorder. What Should I Do?

nationaleatingdisorders.org – Eating Disorder Statistics & Research

medainc.org – Body Dysmorphic Disorder & Anorexia Nervosa

self.com – 10 Subtle Signs Someone You Love Might Have an Eating Disorder

nationaleatingdisorders.org – Warning Signs and Symptoms

sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – The Effects Hunger and Mental Health

 

https://anad.org- https://anad.org/get-informed/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/

https://nutrition.org- https://nutrition.org/eating-disorders-are-on-the-rise/

 

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About Author

Islam and Eating Disorders founded in 2012 – run by Maha Khan, the blog creates awareness of Eating Disorders in the Muslim world, offers information and support for sufferers and their loved ones.

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