The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) cites a report from Harvard’s School of Public Health estimating that 30 million Americans will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. This is about 9% of the total U.S. population.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions. According to a meta-analysis by Jon Arcelus et al. (2011), Mortality Rates in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Other Eating Disorders, eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of mental health conditions, second only to opioid use disorder. Moreover, some people with eating disorders—particularly those with severe anorexia nervosa—have taken up to 22 years to reach recovery (Eddy, K. T., et al., 2017).

The purpose of sharing this information is to highlight that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can be fatal if not treated and that recovery can be a long journey. For more facts related to eating disorders, you may visit NEDA or the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, especially if you are a health or mental health professional.

There’s a strong chance you will come into contact with someone who has an eating disorder. Knowing what eating disorders can look like may help you recognize warning signs and, when appropriate, suggest help and offer support.

The rest of this article will focus on what common eating disorders may look like and how to notice them. I will not be reviewing the full diagnostic criteria but instead will focus on what to keep an eye out for. We will start with anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person restricts their food intake, often to dangerous levels. Food restriction can show up in various ways; skipping meals and snacks altogether is common. In some cases, their eating behaviors may appear peculiar. The person may say they are not hungry or provide other reasons for not eating.

This person is often very concerned about how they look and may frequently compare themselves—particularly their body—to others, generally making efforts to change their shape. Anorexia nervosa impacts people of all body shapes and sizes; however, people in larger bodies can often be overlooked because the stereotype remains that anorexia only affects those who are thin.

People with anorexia nervosa may engage in behaviors beyond food restriction. Some individuals may binge eat (consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time while feeling a loss of control) and/or purge. Purging is a way of attempting to rid the body of food and/or modify shape or emotional state. Purging behaviors can include self-induced vomiting, laxative use, diuretic use, or compulsive exercise.

Pay attention to the frequency of restroom use, particularly before or after meals and snacks. Does this person turn down invitations in favor of staying in a rigid routine that includes exercise? Is there talk of eating something and then “burning it off” later?

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa shares similarities with anorexia nervosa; however, food restriction is not the predominant feature. This does not mean there is no restriction—dieting behaviors may still occur. As with anorexia, people with bulimia are often unduly concerned with body weight, shape, and size. You may hear frequent comments about a perceived inability to control eating, self-deprecating humor about their body, or intense calorie counting (which can also occur in anorexia).

In bulimia nervosa, the person engages in recurrent binge eating. A binge episode involves eating a large amount of food in a short period of time (e.g., within one to two hours) while experiencing a sense of loss of control. Some individuals describe zoning out or even feeling unable to remember parts of the episode.

Binge episodes typically occur in private due to shame and guilt, though some behaviors may be observable. Someone who binge eats may go to their car, isolate in their office, or seek another secluded location. Loved ones may notice hidden food wrappers or laxatives, which could indicate binge–purge cycles.

Purging behaviors are a defining feature of bulimia nervosa. Self-induced vomiting is common and most often follows a binge episode; however, laxative use, diuretic use, excessive exercise, or other compensatory behaviors may also occur. Because these behaviors typically happen in private, they can be difficult to detect. However, spending significant time alone after meals may be one possible indicator.

What to Do If You Notice Signs of an Eating Disorder

If you’re reading this because you’re worried about someone in your life, trust that instinct.

The signs of an eating disorder can be subtle at first. Many people who struggle are high functioning, successful, and appear “fine” on the outside. But eating disorders thrive in secrecy, shame, and silence.

If you notice warning signs:

Approach the person privately and gently.
Focus on what you’ve observed rather than making accusations.
Avoid commenting on their weight or appearance.
Express concern about their well-being, not their body.

For example, you might say:

“I’ve noticed you seem really stressed around meals lately, and I care about you. I just wanted to check in.”

You are not responsible for diagnosing them. You are not responsible for fixing it. But expressing care can open the door.

If you are the one recognizing these patterns in yourself, know this:

Eating disorders are not about vanity. They are not about willpower. They are serious mental health conditions that deserve professional treatment and support.

Early intervention improves outcomes. Recovery is possible — even if it takes time.

If you’re unsure where to begin, you can contact:

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
A licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders
Your primary care provider for an initial conversation

If you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team at Reimagine Mental Health Collective provides evidence-based treatment for eating disorders and related concerns.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can support you.

You do not have to navigate this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

If you find that your thoughts about food, weight, or your body take up a significant amount of mental space, cause distress, or interfere with your daily life, it may be worth speaking with a professional.

You do not have to meet every diagnostic criterion to deserve support. Many people struggle with disordered eating patterns long before they recognize them as serious.

If you feel out of control around food, deeply anxious about eating, rigid about exercise, or ashamed of your eating habits, those are important signals.

What are early warning signs of an eating disorder?

Early signs can include:

Skipping meals or making frequent excuses not to eat
Obsessive calorie tracking or food rules
Increased anxiety around meals
Exercising to “burn off” food
Frequent bathroom trips after eating
Withdrawing from social events that involve food
Rapid weight changes (up or down)
Increased body comparison or self-criticism

Eating disorders often begin subtly. The earlier someone receives help, the better the long-term outcome.

Can someone have an eating disorder and look “healthy”?

Yes.

Eating disorders affect people of all body sizes, genders, races, and ages. Many people with eating disorders appear medically stable or fall within “average” weight ranges.

This is one reason eating disorders are often missed or dismissed.

A person does not have to look underweight to be struggling.

How long does recovery from an eating disorder take?

Recovery timelines vary widely. Some people recover within a few years, while others may need longer-term support.

Recovery is not linear. There can be setbacks, plateaus, and progress at different speeds.

What matters most is receiving appropriate treatment and ongoing support.

What kind of treatment works for eating disorders?

Effective treatment often includes:

Individual therapy (such as CBT-E, DBT, or trauma-informed approaches)
Nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian
Medical monitoring when needed
Higher levels of care in severe cases (intensive outpatient, residential, or inpatient treatment)

Treatment plans are individualized based on the person’s symptoms, medical stability, and support system.

What should I say to someone I think may have an eating disorder?

Focus on care, not control.

Avoid commenting on weight or appearance. Instead, express concern about behaviors and emotional well-being.

For example:

“I’ve noticed you seem really stressed around food lately, and I care about you. I just wanted to check in.”

You cannot force someone into recovery, but you can reduce isolation.