Recognizing the warning signs of eating disorders can be life-saving, whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one. As an eating disorder specialist in Bloomington, Indiana, I want to help you understand the key symptoms of different eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa Warning Signs

• Refusal to maintain normal body weight for age and height
• Weighing 85% less than expected for age and height
• Fear of gaining weight and being fat
• Denial of low weight and physical dangers due to low weight
• Feeling large/fat when very thin
• Irregular or no menstrual cycle
• Irritability, depression, or isolative behaviors
• Unusual eating habits or rituals with food

These symptoms require immediate attention from an eating disorder therapist. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition, making early intervention crucial.

​Bulimia Nervosa Warning Signs

• Bingeing/purging occurs more than two times per week for at least three months
• Purging through one or more of the following: vomiting, laxatives, exercise
• Often dieting when not bingeing
• Weighing within more normal range
• Feeling out of control while eating
• Low self-esteem and distorted body image

Many people with bulimia nervosa maintain a normal weight, making it harder to detect. If you recognize these signs, seeking help is essential.

​Binge Eating Disorder Warning Signs

• Out of control bingeing (very large quantities of food)
• Frequent, isolative, rapid snacking of food
• Guilt and shame associated with binges
• Frequent history of dieting
• Similar feelings and thoughts as those who have anorexia and bulimia

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Unlike bulimia, those with binge eating disorder don’t engage in compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Formerly called “Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified,” OSFED includes eating disorders that don’t fully meet criteria for other diagnoses but are equally serious and deserve treatment.

ARFID Warning Signs (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder):

• Dramatic restriction in types or amounts of food consumed
• Avoids entire categories of food (e.g., all fruits, all vegetables)
• Only eats certain brands or textures of foods
• Fears of choking or vomiting when eating
• Limited range of foods that becomes narrower over time (progressive picky eating)
• Eating very slowly or hesitating with eating or chewing food
• Lack of appetite; not interested in food
• Anxiety or distress at mealtimes; may have tantrums or behavioral difficulties
• Avoids eating in social situations or events involving food, leading to social withdrawal