Eating disorders are very common in today’s image-obsessed culture. Kids and teens who are having trouble with stress, self-esteem and other emotional issues can develop eating disorders as a way to gain a sense of control or to soothe uncomfortable feelings, like sadness, loneliness or unworthiness. While it’s more common for girls and women to develop eating disorders, boys and men are also vulnerable.

There are several kinds of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is when a person eats so little, they begin to starve. Binge eating is when a person privately consumes large amounts of high-calorie foods. Bulimia is when a person feels they have to purge themselves of all they’ve eaten, by throwing up, taking laxatives, or exercising obsessively. 

Signs and Symptoms

Eating disorders can permanently damage a person’s mental and physical health and put their life at risk. The good news is that people with eating disorders can recover their physical and mental health. The sooner their eating disorder comes to light and they receive proper treatment, the better they will do. There are many early signs of an eating disorder. Pay attention to such telltale behaviours as:

• making excuses to not eat with family and friends, 

• taking only tiny servings and moving their food around their plate instead of eating it,

• eating only a small selection of low-calorie foods, like grapefruit or lettuce,

• going to the bathroom right after meals,

• wearing loose, baggy clothing to hide their shape,

• not doing things they used to enjoy, like spending time with friends or playing a sport,

• acting tired and moody.

A person does not have to be “skinny” to have an eating disorder. They could be an average weight or overweight, or they could gain and lose weight in an ongoing cycle. Or, they could be getting thinner all the time. Other physical signs include: pale or yellowish skin, hair falling out or fine hair growing on the skin, coldness or sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, and acid reflux. 

Getting Help

People with eating disorders don’t always see they have a problem – or they might know but feel too ashamed or afraid to talk to anyone about it. Before you approach your friend, family member or child, learn about eating disorders and how to help. Find out what resources are available in your community. Keep this information handy to share with the person you are worried about. When you approach them, be careful not to judge or blame, as this could make things worse. Calmly let them know what specific behaviours you’ve noticed and why these have you concerned. Let them know you want to help them be healthy again, but don’t tell them what to do or what not to do. Instead, ask them to tell you how you can help. Offer to go with them to a counsellor or clinic, and let them know you are there to listen to and support them. Seeking professional help is an important step toward healing.