Eating disorders

Spotting an eating disorder in others

It can often be very difficult toidentify that a loved one or friend has developed an eating disorder.

Warning signs to look out for include:

missing meals
complaining of being fat, even though they have a normal weight or are underweight
repeatedly weighing themselves and looking at themselves in the mirror
making repeated claims that they've already eaten, or they'll shortly be going out to eat somewhere else and avoiding eating at home
cooking big or complicated meals for other people, but eating little or none of the food themselves
only eating certain low-calorie foods in your presence, such as lettuce or celery
feeling uncomfortable or refusing to eat in public places, such as at arestaurant
the use of "pro-anorexia" websites

It can be difficult to know what to do if you're concerned about a friend or family member. It's not unusual for someone with an eating disorder to be secretive and defensive about their eating and their weight, and they may deny being unwell.

They also have a designated youth helpline on 0345 634 7650.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018

Articles for eating disorders

Introduction

Read about the different types of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating, as well as what causes them and the treatments available.

Types of eatingdisorders

Eating disorders include a range of conditions that can affect someone physically, psychologically and socially. The most common eating disorders are: Anorexia nervosa when a person tries to keep

What causes eating disorders?

Eating disorders are often blamed on the social pressure to be thin, as young people in particular feel they should look a certain way. However, the causes are usually more complex. An eating disorde

Do I have an eating disorder?

Doctors sometimes use a questionnaire to help identify people who may have an eating disorder. The questionnaire asks the following five questions: Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfo

Spotting an eating disorder in others

It can often be very difficult toidentify that a loved one or friend has developed an eating disorder. Warning signs to look out for include: missing meals complaining of being fat, even though th

Who's affected byeating disorders?

A 2015 report commissioned by Beat estimates more than 725,000 peoplein the UK are affected by an eating disorder. Eating disorders tend to be more common in certain age groups, but they can affect pe

Treating eating disorders

Ifan eating disorder isn'ttreated, it can have a negative impact on someone's job or schoolwork, and can disrupt relationships with family members and friends. The physical effects of an eating disord

Health News