
Eating Disorders: Know the Signs
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), an estimated 30 million Americans struggle with eating disorders. These disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with an average of one death every hour as a result of the condition.
It is not always easy to spot an eating disorder, because it can often be indistinguishable from dieting. It is especially difficult for health care providers, since they lack the full picture of their patients’ eating habits. Most people with eating disorders do not look markedly underweight. This is why it’s important for parents, guardians and others to advocate for their children or loved ones if they think something is wrong. Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder is the first step toward getting help.
Excessive Dieting
- Fasting or skipping meals
- Cutting out food groups (i.e. sugar, carbs, fat, dairy)
- Counting calories
- Weighing out food
Preoccupation with exercise
- Rigid exercise routine that causes distress if disrupted
- Obsessive use of fitness watches or trackers (fixation on reaching ‘step goals’)
- Exercising as ‘punishment’ for food or to ‘earn’ food
Increase or decrease in socializing
- Preoccupation with ‘clean’ eating
- Cutting out all ‘unhealthy’ foods and only eating ‘healthy’ foods
- Doing detoxes or cleanses
Physical Signs
- Losing period (if female)
- Weight fluctuations
- Tired, fatigued, dizzy, moody
- Always cold
- Swollen cheeks, calluses on knuckles, damage to teeth, bad breath (indicators of self-induced vomiting or starvation)
- Thinning hair
Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Going to the toilet often and/or for long periods of time during or after meals
- Long showers after meals
- Laxative or diuretics use, or vomiting
#PracticeNourishment #FeedingHope
If you or someone you know is struggling with food and body image concerns, it’s important to seek professional help. You can find additional resources through the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) or call the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD) Helpline at 888-375-7767.
Blue KC members have access to Mindful Advocates who are available 24/7 at 833-302-MIND (6463). A Mindful Advocate can offer in-the-moment support and help Blue KC members access tools, including in-person, text, online therapy, and virtual care options specific to the member’s behavioral healthcare needs.
Additional Resources:
- When Does Dieting Become Unhealthy
- Health and Diet: Why Language Matters to Our Kids
- Understanding Types of Eating Disorders
This article is brought to you by Lucet. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City partners with Lucet to optimize our members’ access to behavioral health services. For more information call the behavioral health number on your member ID card or login to your member portal at MyBlueKC.com. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1. If you are experiencing a behavioral health emergency call or text, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.