Disordered Eating Signs: Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Q: What are common disordered eating signs to watch for?

Common signs of disordered eating include restrictive eating, skipping meals, secretive behaviours around food, excessive or compulsive exercise, and physical symptoms such as fatigue or dizziness. Emotional distress linked to eating or body image is also an important warning sign [5].

Q: How can I recognise early signs of an eating disorder?

Early signs may include increasing anxiety around food, rigid calorie counting, avoidance of eating in social situations, or intense guilt after eating. Identifying these patterns early is important, as early intervention is associated with better recovery outcomes [3].

Q: What should I do if I notice disordered eating behaviours in someone else?

Approach the person with care and concern, avoiding judgement. Encourage professional support and offer to help arrange or attend an appointment with a GP or psychologist. You can also seek confidential advice from the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) [5].

Q: Is disordered eating different from normal dieting?

Yes. Normal dieting is usually flexible, temporary, and does not cause significant distress. Disordered eating is characterised by rigid rules, emotional distress, and loss of flexibility around food and eating. Australian primary care guidance emphasises early recognition and stepped care when these patterns emerge [6].

Q: Who is most at risk of developing disordered eating signs?

Adolescents and women are at higher risk. Australian data indicate that among adolescent females, approximately 22.2 percent meet criteria for an eating disorder and 25.7 percent report disordered eating behaviours over a three month period [2].

nurturedthoughts
Jan 2
6 min read

Food is meant to nourish, comfort, and bring people together. Yet for many, it can quietly become a source of anxiety, guilt, and control. You might notice yourself thinking about food all the time or feeling uneasy after eating certain meals. Maybe someone you love has started skipping social gatherings that involve food. These moments can be easy to dismiss, but they may actually be early disordered eating signs that deserve attention.

Disordered eating is far more common than most people realise. In Australia, about 4% of people, approximately 1 million individuals, experience an eating disorder in any given year, and 31.6% of adolescents report disordered eating behaviours annually [1]. Recognising these warning signs early can prevent distress, improve mental health, and protect overall wellbeing.

This article will help you understand what disordered eating really is, how to recognise it in yourself or others, and what to do next.

What Counts as Disordered Eating

Disordered eating exists on a spectrum. It may not meet the full criteria for an eating disorder, but it still affects physical and emotional health. It often begins with small habits that slowly become rigid or emotionally charged, like skipping meals, counting every calorie, or feeling guilty after eating certain foods.

In Australia, research indicates that among adolescent females, 22.2% meet criteria for an eating disorder and 25.7% report disordered eating patterns within 3 months [2]. In addition, only 50% of people diagnosed with an eating disorder make a full recovery, while 20 to 30% live with chronic symptoms [3]. These numbers show how vital early awareness truly is.

Disordered eating is not just about appearance or body size. It is about how food begins to dominate your thoughts or dictate your emotions. For example, you might:

Feel anxious when you cannot control what is on your plate
Avoid social events that involve food
Experience guilt after eating “off limits” foods
Use exercise as punishment after meals

These behaviours might seem harmless at first, but they often reflect a deeper struggle with control, self worth, or stress management.

Subtle Emotional and Behavioural Warning Signs

Many people assume they would recognise an eating problem if it appeared. The truth is, disordered eating often hides behind healthy habits or personal discipline. What might look like commitment to fitness or wellness can sometimes mask an unhealthy preoccupation with control.

You might notice signs like:

Rigid food rules: always eating at certain times, avoiding entire food groups, or refusing foods prepared by others
Compensatory habits: excessive exercise, fasting, or using laxatives to “undo” eating
Body preoccupation: constant mirror checking, frequent weighing, or persistent self criticism about appearance
Emotional changes: irritability, anxiety, or guilt tied to eating choices
Secrecy: hiding food, being dishonest about eating, or eating alone to avoid judgement
Physical red flags: unexplained weight changes, fatigue, dizziness, or irregular menstrual cycles

Someone might say, “I am just being good with my food,” but behind that statement could be daily distress and exhaustion. Disordered eating drains joy and replaces it with fear.

For more detail, see our article on how to rebuild a healthy relationship with food and find peace with eating again.

When Healthy Eating Becomes Harmful

Eating nutritious food supports good health. When clean eating becomes an obsession, it can do more harm than good. Orthorexia nervosa describes a fixation on purity and health that leads to guilt, isolation, and nutritional deficiencies [4].

What starts as a positive habit, such as cutting back on sugar or fast food, can quickly spiral into restriction and fear. You may:

Avoid foods others prepare because they are “not clean enough”
Eliminate whole food groups like dairy or carbohydrates without medical reason
Spend excessive time planning meals or researching “safe” foods
Feel intense anxiety or shame if you eat something off plan

These behaviours can make eating a constant source of stress. Culturally, diet trends and social media fuel the problem by glorifying extremes. We are constantly told to detox, cleanse, and chase perfection. Over time, that pressure blurs the line between health and obsession.

If you find yourself feeling anxious about meals, or your eating rules cause arguments, fatigue, or isolation, it may be time to seek balance again. Healthy eating should feel freeing, not restrictive.

How to Talk to Someone You Are Worried About

Starting a conversation about eating concerns can feel uncomfortable, but silence often allows the problem to grow. The goal is not to confront, it is to connect with empathy.

Try this approach:

Pick the right moment: choose a quiet, calm time away from food related settings
Speak from care, not criticism: say, “I have noticed you seem stressed about food, and I am worried about you”
Listen with compassion: avoid correcting or debating, let them share their experience and fears
Encourage professional help: offer to help book an appointment with a GP or psychologist, and mention that support is confidential and recovery is possible
Stay present: continue checking in, change takes time, and consistent support helps build trust

The Butterfly Foundation Helpline, 1800 ED HOPE, is a helpful, confidential starting point for anyone ready to reach out. For more detail, see our related post on how to support loved ones through mental health challenges.

Practical Steps to Take if You Are Concerned

If you have recognised disordered eating signs in yourself or someone else, taking small, informed steps can make a real difference.

Consult a GP or psychologist: early medical and psychological intervention can prevent complications like nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, or long term emotional distress [1]
Ask about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CBT: CBT is consistently supported as an effective first line approach for many eating disorders [5]
Keep a journal: writing about meals, moods, and triggers can uncover patterns, such as skipping meals after stressful events or feeling shame after eating certain foods
Reach out for support: connect with trusted people, talking to someone breaks the secrecy that can fuel disordered eating
Join a peer support group: communities like Eating Disorders Victoria and Butterfly Foundation offer safe spaces for sharing and recovery [5]

Lifestyle changes like gentle exercise or mindfulness can help some people feel more settled. Always discuss changes with a healthcare professional before making adjustments to your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common disordered eating signs to watch for?

Look for restrictive eating, meal skipping, secretive behaviours, excessive exercise, and physical issues like fatigue or dizziness. Emotional distress around food is another key sign [5].

How can I recognise early signs of an eating disorder?

Watch for increasing anxiety around food, constant calorie counting, social avoidance during meals, or intense guilt after eating. Early intervention is linked with better outcomes [3].

What should I do if I notice disordered eating behaviours in someone else?

Express care gently and suggest professional help. Offer to accompany them to a GP or psychologist, or contact Butterfly Foundation, 1800 ED HOPE, for confidential advice [5].

Is disordered eating different from normal dieting?

Yes. Normal dieting is flexible and time limited. Disordered eating involves rigid rules, emotional distress, and loss of flexibility in eating patterns. Primary care guidance emphasises early recognition and stepped care [6].

Who is most at risk of developing disordered eating signs?

Adolescents and women are particularly affected. Among Australian adolescent females, 22.2% meet criteria for an eating disorder and 25.7% report disordered eating over 3 months [2].

At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we understand how difficult it can be to live with constant worry about food or body image. Our psychologists offer compassionate, evidence based care to help you rebuild trust with your body and develop a healthier mindset toward eating.

If you are ready to take the first step, we are here to listen and guide you at your own pace. You deserve to feel free, nourished, and at peace again.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and does not replace professional psychological advice. If experiencing severe emotional distress, seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

[1] National Eating Disorders Collaboration. n.d. Eating disorders in Australia. East Melbourne, VIC, NEDC. Retrieved 10 December 2025, from https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/eating-disorders-in-australia

[2] Hay, P., Aouad, P., Le, A., Marks, P., and Maloney, D. 2023. Epidemiology of eating disorders, population, prevalence, disease burden and quality of life informing public policy in Australia, a rapid review. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00738-7

[3] Mills, R., Hyam, L., and Schmidt, U. 2023. A narrative review of early intervention for eating disorders, barriers and facilitators. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 14, 217 to 235. https://doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S415698

[4] Horovitz, O., Latzer, Y., and Dana, H. 2023. Orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa, a comprehensive examination of prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Nutrients, 15(17), 3851. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173851

[5] Eating Disorders Victoria. n.d. Warning signs of eating disorders. Melbourne, EDV. Retrieved 10 December 2025, from https://eatingdisorders.org.au/for-family-and-friends/warning-signs-of-eating-disorders/

[6] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2017. Early detection of eating disorders in general practice. Australian Family Physician, 46(11), 833 to 838. Retrieved 10 December 2025, from https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/november/early-detection-of-eating-disorders