Warnings Signs That Your Loved One Might Be Struggling With an Eating Disorder

By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant ​

She has been invited to go out to eat with her extended family and she is panicking. Her brain is filled with fears about the food that will be served and not feeling “in control.” She is terrified of her body changing. Due to fear about eating out, she has limited her eating during the day. So she is starting to feel tired and kind of out of it. She struggles with constant thoughts about food and her body. She feels exhausted and so trapped. She is struggling with an eating disorder.

It can be hard to recognize if you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder and it’s best to meet with an eating disorder therapist for an evaluation who can help you to determine this.

However, the following are some common warning signs from an eating disorder therapy practice, serving Boca Raton, Florida, that your loved one may be struggling with an eating disorder. 


1. Unusual eating habits or eating rituals.

Eating rituals can manifest in various ways, such as slicing food into very small portions, organizing food into specific arrangements, or consistently measuring portions before eating. Some individuals may also insist on using the same utensils for every meal or stick to eating foods in a particular sequence.

While these behaviors can sometimes be harmless habits, they might also indicate underlying concerns. Such rituals are often associated with anorexia nervosa and may also appear as an early indicator of binge eating disorder. However, it’s important to recognize that these habits alone do not necessarily signify an eating disorder. They should be evaluated alongside the person’s broader relationship with food, body image, and emotional well-being to determine their significance.


2. Overuse or uncommon usage of condiments and drinks.

A potential indicator of an eating disorder is if your loved one uses condiments or beverages in unusual or excessive ways. For instance, consistently adding large amounts of mustard, salt, or spices to their meals might signal a deeper issue. This behavior may signal struggles with disordered eating patterns.
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Another warning sign to watch for is if your teen starts misusing beverages, such as drinking excessive amounts of coffee or diet soda, as a way to suppress hunger or create a feeling of fullness. These behaviors, when combined with other changes in eating habits or attitudes toward food, may indicate struggles with their relationship to eating and body image.


3. Fixation on weight, body image, and food.

If your loved one suddenly becomes fixated on their weight, body shape, or food choices, it may indicate an underlying issue. For example, an intense fear of gaining weight can be a significant warning sign of an eating disorder.

A sudden and dramatic change in eating habits is another behavior to watch for. If your teen announces they are cutting out entire food groups—such as refusing to eat carbs—or adopts a vegetarian diet without prior ethical interest in it, it’s important to assess their motivations and observe how rigidly they follow these new rules.

Other concerning behaviors might include sticking to a very limited list of "safe foods," rejecting many foods they previously enjoyed, obsessing over fat or calorie content, hoarding food, or preparing elaborate meals for others but not eating them themselves. Frequent trips to the bathroom immediately after eating could also be a red flag.

Finally, keep an eye on any sudden disappearance of large amounts of food, as this may signal episodes of binge eating. Recognizing these behaviors early can help address potential struggles with disordered eating.


4. Withdrawing from social activities or losing interest in hobbies.

Someone who starts withdrawing socially and isolating themselves may be exhibiting signs of an eating disorder. If they lose interest in spending time with friends or family and instead become preoccupied with activities like researching recipes, discussing food or dieting, obsessing over calories, or spending excessive time at the gym, it could indicate a deeper issue.

For many individuals with eating disorders, the focus on food, exercise, and body image can take precedence over genuine relationships. Over time, the eating disorder itself may become their primary focus, overshadowing meaningful connections with others. Recognizing this shift is crucial for providing early support.


Full Recovery From An Eating Disorder Is Possible!

If you observe these warning signs and suspect your loved one might be struggling with an eating disorder, it’s essential to consult a professional specializing in eating disorder treatment. They can conduct a thorough evaluation and, if necessary, recommend appropriate evidence-based care to support recovery.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, with one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric illnesses. Early intervention plays a crucial role in improving outcomes, so seeking help as soon as possible is key.

It's important to understand that eating disorders can affect individuals of all body types, shapes, and sizes. Weight is not an accurate indicator of whether someone is struggling. Eating disorders do not discriminate and can impact anyone, regardless of appearance.

When addressing these concerns with your teen, approach the conversation with empathy and support rather than judgment. These behaviors and feelings are not a choice, but with proper treatment and understanding, recovery is entirely possible, enabling them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

Lastly, be kind to yourself throughout this process. Missing early signs is not your fault, and families do not cause eating disorders. However, your role as a source of love and support can be instrumental in your loved one’s recovery journey. Families and friends can be powerful allies in helping their loved ones heal.


Looking for eating disorder therapy for yourself or a loved one?

At The Eating Disorder Center, we help individuals struggling with body image and other related eating disorders such as, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID, orthorexia, and compulsive exercise. Our excellent Florida-licensed clinicians--Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C, Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C, and Rachel Steinhardt, LMHC—provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. We are here to help you through your journey and support you on those difficult body image days.

Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide.
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Eating Disorder Therapy of Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​