Eating disorders often go unnoticed until they become severe, making early detection a critical step in effective treatment. Subtle signs and red flags are frequently missed during general assessments, delaying intervention and potentially worsening outcomes for clients.
Often, adolescents with eating disorders first approach their primary care provider with vague symptoms like abdominal pain or menstrual abnormalities. Without proper eating disorder training, health providers might miss these critical early warning signs and delay care. These visits, as emphasised by The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), can be an opportunity to screen for eating disorders.
Clinicians must develop a sharp eye for the nuanced ways eating disorders manifest, ensuring they can provide timely support and improve recovery outcomes for their clients.
Why Early Detection Matters
Eating disorders can diminish every aspect of a person’s physical, emotional, and social health, often with life-threatening consequences. Spotting early warning signs allows clinicians to intervene before the disorder becomes deeply ingrained, reducing the risk of complications and improving long-term recovery rates.
Early identification is especially crucial because eating disorders rarely present as standalone conditions. They often overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma, and physical health issues, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Without specialized training, clinicians may overlook these connections, leaving clients without the comprehensive care they need.
Red Flags to Watch For
Subtle Behavioral Changes
A sudden preoccupation with food, calories, or "clean eating" trends.
Increased secrecy around or avoidance of discussing eating habits.
Signs of excessive exercise, despite injury, illness, or fatigue.
Physical Symptoms
Unexplained weight fluctuations, fatigue, or gastrointestinal complaints.
Complaints of dizziness, fainting, or irregular menstrual cycles.
Dental issues like enamel erosion or sensitive teeth, which may indicate purging behaviors.
Emotional Red Flags
Heightened anxiety or guilt around food and eating.
Body dissatisfaction or distorted self-image.
Signs or discussion of withdrawal from social situations, particularly those involving meals.
Cultural and Demographic Considerations
Be mindful that eating disorders affect everyone. Clients from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent communities experience eating disorders at similar or higher rates than average, often with unique presentations.
Recognize that societal stereotypes can delay diagnosis for individuals in these groups.