Symptoms of Eating Disorders
The symptoms of eating disorders vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. However, there are common warning signs that may signal disordered eating. Identifying these early can help prevent serious physical and psychological complications. The symptoms may be subtle at first, but over time they can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life.
In anorexia nervosa, one of the most recognisable signs is significant weight loss or being underweight for one’s age and height. People with anorexia often restrict calories, avoid entire food groups, or develop rituals around food—such as cutting it into tiny pieces or eating very slowly. They may exercise excessively, fear gaining weight, and deny that they are thin.
In contrast, bulimia nervosa is marked by cycles of bingeing and purging. During a binge, a person eats large amounts of food in a short time, often feeling out of control. This is followed by purging—through vomiting, using laxatives, fasting, or over-exercising—to compensate for the calories consumed. People with bulimia may maintain a normal weight, making the disorder harder to detect.
Binge-eating disorder involves frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food without purging. It is often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, or depression. People may eat in secret and feel powerless to stop, even when uncomfortably full.
Other symptoms of eating disorders can include:
Obsession with weight, calories, or dieting
Avoiding meals or eating in secret
Mood swings, irritability, or social withdrawal
Physical signs like hair loss, dry skin, or irregular menstruation
Digestive issues such as constipation or bloating
Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
Cold intolerance, due to poor circulation
Calluses on knuckles from induced vomiting (in bulimia)
In men and boys, symptoms may include an intense focus on muscle mass, protein intake, and workout routines. They may also engage in disordered eating to achieve a specific physique, often driven by social or athletic pressure.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
In South Africa, many symptoms of eating disorders go unnoticed, especially in communities where awareness is low. Cultural stigma around mental illness and body image can prevent people from speaking up or seeking help. Additionally, underweight individuals may be praised for being “disciplined,” further complicating early detection.
Eating disorders can affect people of any body size. It’s a myth that you must be underweight to have one. Even those with a normal or higher body weight can suffer from serious emotional and physical consequences.
Recognising the symptoms of eating disorders early makes a huge difference. With timely support, individuals can begin the journey toward recovery and build a healthier relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves.
[Next: Diagnosis of Eating Disorders→]
