Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions — not lifestyle choices, vanity or a lack of willpower. They affect people of every gender, age, body shape and background, and they carry real medical risk. They’re also treatable, and early help improves recovery. Knowing the signs matters.
They’re not always visible
One of the most dangerous myths is that you can tell someone has an eating disorder by looking at them. Most people with an eating disorder are not visibly underweight. The signs are often behavioural and emotional long before they’re physical.
Behavioural and emotional signs
- Preoccupation with food, weight, body shape or eating
- Rigid rules or rituals around food; cutting out food groups
- Avoiding meals or eating with others; secrecy around food
- Evidence of binge eating, or of compensating (excessive exercise, vomiting, laxative use)
- Intense fear of weight gain, or distress about body image
- Withdrawal from friends and activities; mood changes, anxiety or depression
Physical signs
- Weight changes (in either direction), or weight that fluctuates
- Feeling cold, tired or dizzy; fainting
- Digestive problems
- In those who menstruate, periods stopping or becoming irregular
The main types
Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and others such as ARFID. They differ in pattern but share serious risk and a strong link to anxiety, depression and distress.
Getting help early
Eating disorders have the best outcomes when treated early, with a team that usually includes medical, psychological and dietetic support. If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, please reach out — the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline (1800 33 4673) offers free, confidential support, and your GP can help coordinate care. Our online psychiatry service can provide specialist input — read about our eating disorder care.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Eating disorder support: Butterfly Foundation 1800 33 4673. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.