How to help
How to support someone with an eating disorder
Warning signs of eating disorders
Food Restriction
Restricting themselves from food, making excuses to not eat, using drugs to lose weight, and missing many means in a row could be a sign of an eating disorder
Bingeing or Purging
Hoarding lots of high calorie foods and unexplained disappearances of lots of food in little time, as well as leaving right after meal time can be a sign of an ED
Distorted Body Image
Having problems with body image, rapid weight fluctuation, talking about a fear of gaining weight or trying to hide their weight could all be symptoms.
How to talk to someone about an ED
If someone you know seems to be exhibiting symptoms that could be an eating disorder, approach the subject with caution! Make sure you pick a good time to talk to them, when they are calm and when you are in private. Avoid lectures or talk about consequences, and make sure to listen to what they are saying. Talk about what worries you, not what they should try to fix. Tell them that you love, care and support them no matter what.
When caring for someone with an ED, it's important to expect resistance or unwillingness to cooperate. This is normal, but do not give up! You're helping this person in the long run!
Encourage them to get help from a professional.
Things to avoid when talking to someone about an ED:
- weight or physical appearance
- ultimatums that put pressure on them
- shaming or blaming them for their ED
- trying to solve their problems without them asking for it
Common Treatments
Once a diagnosis is reached, these are some options for treatment.
Depending on symptoms, severity, and issues the person faces, treatments can vary significantly. TO find the right one, make sure to consult a doctor or medical professional before proceeding.
Medical treatment allows the patient to stabilize any health issues that may have arose from the ED. This may be necessary if the person has complications from their ED, or is in immediate medical danger.
Nutritional therapy can help affected people design eating goals and maintain a healthy weight
Therapy is also available for the psychological aspect of ED's and helps create a healthy mindset around eating and body image. This can also help prevent the future likelihood of developing an ED through healthy coping mechanisms.
References
Smith, Melinda, Lawrence Robinson, and Jeanne Segal. “Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder.” HelpGuide.org, February 5, 2024.
Feeding and Eating Disorders. (2013). In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. American Psychiatric Association
NIMH » Eating Disorders. (n.d.-a). Retrieved January 27, 2025
Steinman, J., & Shibli-Rahhal, A. (2019). Anorexia Nervosa and Osteoporosis: Pathophysiology and Treatment. Journal of Bone Metabolism, 26(3), 133.