Understand more about eating disorders in adults, take a short test, and find out how to get help.
Signs and symptoms of eating disorders
Eating disorders tend to present in both emotional and physically.
However, there are several common behaviours that indicate a problem with eating:
Worrying about weight
One of the most common symptoms of an eating disorder is fixated thinking about weight, body shape, or size. This is common even when there’s no medical reason to be concerned and can be a sign of an unhealthy relationship with food.
Eating very little or overeating
Regularly restricting food intake or having episodes of uncontrollable overeating may suggest a pattern linked to an eating disorder. A further indicator is when those episodes lead to feelings of guilt or shame.
Avoiding social situations where there is food
Avoiding meals out, parties, or any event involving food can be a sign of anxiety around eating. This is often driven by fear of judgment or losing control over food choices.
Making yourself sick after eating
Purging by vomiting after meals is a serious symptom often associated with bulimia. It may be used to “undo” overeating, but can lead to serious health complications.
If you have been making yourself sick after eating, it’s important that you talk to your GP as soon as possible. This can have a serious effect on your health, and a GP will offer care and assistance as a matter of urgency.
Other symptoms of eating disorders
Some other symptoms of eating disorders include:
over-exercising
having very strict rules around eating
feelings of guilt or anxiety after eating
weight loss or gain
Physical symptoms of eating disorders
There are several physical symptoms associated with eating disorders. As these disorders involve eating, they generally lead to issues with physical health.
Some physical symptoms of eating disorders include, but are not limited to:
poor circulation
digestion problems (bloating, constipation, diarrhoea)
feeling cold
feeling dizzy
feeling faint
heart rate irregularities
Types of eating disorders
There are several recognised types of eating disorders, each with its own behaviours, thought patterns, and health risks.
Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is characterised by restricted eating and an intense fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia often see themselves as overweight even when underweight, and may exercise excessively or avoid food altogether to combat a distorted body image.
Take a short indicative test for anorexia
Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge-eating followed by behaviours like vomiting, excessive exercise, or using laxatives to purge the body of food. It can be harder to spot than anorexia, as the weight of people with bulimia may not fluctuate or they may appear outwardly to have normal eating habits.
Take a short indicative test for bulimia
Binge eating disorder
Binge-eating disorder involves frequently eating large amounts of food in a short time, often in secret and beyond the point of feeling full. Unlike bulimia, it isn’t followed by purging, and it can lead to shame, guilt, and health issues over time.
Take a short indicative test for binge eating
Difference between anorexia and bulimia
Anorexia and bulimia are two of the most well-known eating disorders. However, they affect the body and mind in different ways.
Anorexia nervosa is typically marked by extreme restriction of food. A person with anorexia may avoid eating, count calories obsessively, or exercise excessively to lose weight or prevent weight gain.
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge-eating followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain.