Eating disorders: Spotting the signs

If you’re a parent to a teenager, you’ll know mood swings often come with the territory. That said, it’s important to listen to your gut if you think your child is acting out of character. Perhaps you’ve noticed the mood swings are becoming more extreme and they’re coupled with other worrying signs such as dramatic weight loss, becoming more withdrawn and difficulty concentrating, as well as questionable behaviour such as rushing to the bathroom after every meal and exercising excessively. If so, it’s important to consider the possibility of an eating disorder. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, however children and young people are the worst affected group. So read on as the health experts at YourGP discuss the signs and symptoms all parents should be aware of.

A problem on the rise

According to the charity Beat Eating Disorders, an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. And that shocking figure doesn’t even tell the full story. Many sufferers hide their condition, so the actual number could be even higher. What’s more, it’s a problem on the rise. According to data from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, between 2015 and 2021, hospital admissions for eating disorders increased by 84%.

Know the facts

Eating disorders are typically categorised in five ways:

• Anorexia nervosa: Controlling weight by restricting food intake, exercising excessively, or both.
• Bulimia nervosa: Typically involves binging eating, then vomiting or using laxatives to prevent weight gain.
• Binge eating disorder: Eating excessively large portions of food.
• Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): Avoiding certain foods or limiting food intake.
• Other specific feeding and eating disorders (OSFED): Refers to when a person’s symptoms do not fit the expected symptoms for any of the specific eating disorders listed above.

Changes to look out for

The obvious symptom is dramatic weight loss and changes in eating habits. Other potential telltale signs to look out for include:

• Being dishonest about when, where or how much they have eaten.
• Wearing lose, baggy clothes to hide their body.
• Changes in mood, such as becoming more withdrawn, anxious or depressed.
• Being more tired and having difficulty concentrating.
• Talking more about food – focusing on it and obsessing over it.
• Making comments that indicate a distorted view of their body.
• Feeling cold or dizzy.
• Leaving quickly after meals to go to the toilet.
• Exercising excessively.
• Stopping menstruating.

Create a safe space for open conversations

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions and can be triggered by a wide variety of things, from criticism or bullying about weight, to obsessive personality and trauma. Every sufferer’s backstory is different, and therefore support needs to be tailored to the individual. The support of friends and family can make a huge difference.

Create a safe space where your child can speak openly about what’s happening in their life and how they are feeling. Don’t shy away from tough conversations. Be honest about the influence of social media, unattainable body images, and misinformation about health and weight loss, as well as the dangers of “pro-ana” (pro-anorexia) content.

If you have concerns, make an appointment with your GP immediately. Eating disorders can have serious effects on the body, damaging everything from the teeth and mouth to the digestive system, reproductive system, bones and heart. If left unchecked, the damage can be permanent and there’s a very real risk it could eventually lead to death.

Speak to the experts

To book an appointment, use our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.