Eating Disorders

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Intro

Eating disorders are complex and serious medical conditions, and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Nonetheless, if you are concerned for yourself, a friend, or loved one, keep in mind that while it is not unhealthy to pay attention to your appearance, fitness, or diet, becoming fixated or obsessed with these things can lead to practices that are actually harmful to your health. And eating disorders occur in all demographic groups (people of all genders, racial and ethnic groups, and other social categories). The most commonly diagnosed eating disorders include:

For more details, see https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/what-are-eating-disorders/

Should I be Concerned for Myself or Someone I Care About?

While signs and symptoms of eating disorders vary across specific eating disorder types some general emotional, behavioral, and physical signs may be cause for concern. (National Institute of Mental Health 2024; Dennis 2024b):

Some General Emotional/Behavioral Signs and Symptoms

Some General Physical Signs and Symptoms

For more details, see https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms/

“Bigorexia”

While not technically an eating disorder, some people develop a particular obsession with weightlifting and muscle size, a condition known as Muscle Dysmorphia, or more commonly “bigorexia.” This condition is particularly common among masculine-identifying individuals (Novotney 2024). Common signs of this condition are:

Click here for a brief video about Eating Disorders

Click here for a detailed list of eating disorder signs and symptoms

Click here for an eating disorder screening tool

What Causes Eating Disorders?

There is no single cause of eating disorders but rather they result from multiple influences—social, psychological, developmental, biological, and genetic (Berrettini 2004; Bulik 2021; Dennis 2024b; Donato et al 2022; National Eating Disorders Association 2024, 2025).

Treatment Options

Treatment can be delivered in inpatient or outpatient settings. In both settings, these programs often include individualized and group therapy. Family sessions are also common, as family education and support can be an important part of patient recovery. Medical care is also commonly part of treatment due to the health risks associated with eating disorders. Additionally, nutritionists can help patients in treatment with weight gain or maintenance plans (National Eating Disorders Association 2024).

Unfortunately, many individuals with eating disorders never receive any form of treatment. Some people may not yet have a formal diagnosis. Some may feel reluctant to undergo treatment. And some may lack access to treatment for a variety of reasons including insurance coverage. But untreated eating disorders can have serious, long-term health effects. Healthcare professionals can help chart a course for recovery.

Click here to learn more about treatment options

Recovery Reminders

Those in treatment and their loved ones should remember that recovery is not always linear. Relapse during eating disorder recovery is not unusual, and is not failure. Common stressors for relapse can include, among others (Baker Dennis 2024):

Common signs of relapse include:

The important thing, notes Baker Dennis (2024) is to “accept the possibility that [relapse] might happen, soon or in the distant future, and make a plan to prevent or help manage it if it does happen.” She advises people in recovery to: