Signs of an eating disorder: how to spot one in a loved one or yourself and what to do

Clincially reviewed and written by BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™. Published February 24, 2026.

Approximately 9% of the population will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. Research also suggests that 4 in 10 people either know someone with an eating disorder or have experienced one themselves. These statistics highlight just how common eating disorders are and how they affect individuals of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, can present in very different ways. Because it is impossible to determine whether someone is struggling based on appearance alone, understanding the signs of an eating disorder is essential.

What are the signs of an eating disorder?

Recognizing early warning signs and symptoms can make a meaningful difference in helping you or a loved one seek timely support. While it is important to remember that eating disorders can present differently in everyone, and that this is not a complete list,  becoming familiar with the signs of an eating disorder can help you better understand when someone may be struggling with their relationship with food.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by significant food restriction, an intense fear of weight gain, and persistent behaviors aimed at controlling body size or shape. A common misconception about anorexia, and eating disorders in general, is that someone must be underweight to be struggling. In reality, fewer than 6% of individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder are medically classified as underweight.

Signs of anorexia nervosa

Common signs of anorexia nervosa may include:

• Restricting food intake or skipping meals
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image or persistent dissatisfaction with body shape
• Frequent mirror checking or weighing oneself
• Rigid food rules or tracking all food intake
• Excessive or compulsive exercise
• Wearing baggy or layered clothing to hide weight changes
• Mood swings, irritability, or social withdrawal

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge cycles or eating large amounts of food followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain and “undoing” the food consumed. Bulimia can have serious physical and psychological consequences.

Signs of bulimia nervosa

Common signs of bulimia nervosa may include:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control
• Hiding food and eating alone
• Frequent trips to the bathroom during or after meals
• Evidence of purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse)
• Periods of fasting or restrictive eating after binge episodes
• Excessive or compensatory exercise
• Swelling around the cheeks or jaw area
• Calluses or irritation on the knuckles from self-induced vomiting
• Dental concerns
• Preoccupation with body weight, shape, or appearance
• Feelings of shame, secrecy, or guilt around eating

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short amount of time. However, unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating episodes are not regularly followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise. Because binge eating disorder is more common than anorexia and bulimia combined, understanding the signs of an eating disorder is important.

Signs of binge eating disorder

Common signs of binge eating disorder may include:

• Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food within a short period of time
• Feeling unable to stop or control how much is being eaten
• Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
• Eating alone due to embarrassment about the quantity of food
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or distress after eating
• Preoccupation with weight, body shape, or food

Other signs of an eating disorder to be aware of

While anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder are the three most common eating disorders people often hear about, there are other ones to be aware of as well:

Orthorexia nervosa

Orthorexia nervosa, is an eating disorder characterized by being “extremely healthy” and only eating foods that are considered “clean” or “pure. Because they are concerned about the quality of their food and health benefits.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which does not always involve body image distress, is an eating disorder involving people limiting what they eat due to sensory sensitivities like the texture of food, while also having a fear of choking or vomiting, or a lack of interest in eating.

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

Other Specified Feeding Or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is an eating disorder used when someone experiences eating disorder symptoms, but their behaviors do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. It is important to know that this does not make any eating disorder less serious or deserving of help.

What to do if you or someone present signs of an eating disorder

If you notice signs of an eating disorder in yourself or someone you care about, it is never too soon to reach out for support. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, and you do not have to be at “rock bottom” to deserve help. You can start by talking to someone you trust, scheduling an appointment with a therapist, connecting with a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders, or joining a support group. You are not alone. Professional eating disorder treatment is available, and recovery is possible. Zencare can help you connect with a virtual or in-person therapist depending on your location, preferences and needs.

Eating disorder treatment at BALANCE

At BALANCE, we understand how confusing the line between “wellness” and disordered eating can feel, especially when harmful behaviors are normalized or even praised. True health includes both physical and mental well-being, and support can make all the difference when food and body thoughts begin to feel overwhelming.

At BALANCE, we provide compassionate outpatient support right in Manhattan, NYC, seven days a week. We are currently in-network with UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Oscar, and will soon be in-network with Aetna to help make care more accessible. If you recognize signs of an eating disorder in yourself or a loved one, you can learn more about BALANCE and our outpatient eating disorder treatment services here.