By Tehreem Ali
Introduction
Eating disorders (EDs) are serious mental health conditions that often go unnoticed, especially in teens. Among the most common are anorexia nervosa (AN), where individuals strive to keep their weight as low as possible, and bulimia nervosa, characterised by binge eating followed by purging through vomiting or laxatives. Both conditions are often invalidated or dismissed, worsening the illness as individuals feel compelled to “try harder” to lose weight or appear “sick enough.” A less recognized form, atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN), affects individuals who may not have low body weight but experience equal or greater health risks and are often overlooked, prolonging their suffering. (Murray & Le, 2021)
A study of seven recovered individuals from AN or AAN revealed that being told they were “not sick enough” led to shame, self-doubt, and worsening symptoms. This underscores the importance of recognizing EDs early and offering support to those affected. (Murray & Le, 2021)
How to Spot Early Signs of Anorexia Nervosa
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, signs of anorexia can be divided into physical and emotional/ behavioural symptoms:
Physical Signs:
- Dramatic weight loss.
- Thinning of hair.
- Stomach issues like severe constipation or acid reflux.
- Menstrual irregularities or missed periods.
- Abnormal lab findings, such as anaemia or low potassium.
- Feeling cold constantly.
- Dizziness or fainting.
Emotional/Behavioral Signs:
- Restrictive eating.
- Denying hunger.
- Developing food rituals.
- Cooking for others without eating.
- Obsessively counting calories or fixating on weight. (Kelvas, 2023)
How to Spot Early Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
While bulimia can occur alongside anorexia, it has distinct signs: - Secretive food habits, like hoarding or excessive spending on food. - Feelings of guilt or shame after eating.
- Sore throats, tooth decay, or frequent mouth infections.
- Stomach pains, heartburn, or other intestinal issues.
- Dehydration. (NHS Lothian, 2023)
Why Early Recognition Matters
These behaviours and symptoms may start subtly but can escalate quickly. Teens are especially vulnerable due to societal pressures, social media influences, and their developing self-esteem. If you notice these signs in a loved one—or yourself—seek professional help immediately. Therapy and early intervention can prevent the disorder from worsening and pave the way for recovery.
Hence, Recognizing the early signs of eating disorders in teens is crucial for timely intervention. Both anorexia and bulimia are severe conditions that impact physical and emotional well-being. By staying informed and offering non-judgmental support, we can help those struggling feel seen, understood, and on the path to recovery.
References:
● Kelvas, D. (2023). Early warning signs of anorexia nervosa. Within Health. https://withinhealth.com/learn/articles/early-warning-signs-of-anorexia-nervos a
● NHS Lothian. (2023). Recognising an eating disorder. NHS Lothian. https://services.nhslothian.scot/seeds/recognising-an-eating-disorder/
● Murray, S. B., & Le, L. (2021). Eating disorders and the COVID-19 pandemic: What’s the connection? Journal of Eating Disorders, 9(1), Article 95.
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