Eating disorders: clear signs, what works, and where to get help

Eating disorders carry real medical risks and are more common than many people think. For example, anorexia has one of the highest death rates among mental illnesses. If you or someone you care about is struggling with food, weight, or body image, knowing the signs and practical next steps can make a big difference.

Know the main types and common signs

The three most common diagnoses are anorexia nervosa (severe food restriction and weight loss), bulimia nervosa (bingeing followed by purging), and binge-eating disorder (recurrent binge episodes without purging). Other presentations may be labeled OSFED—other specified feeding or eating disorder—when symptoms don’t fit the classic definitions.

Watch for these concrete signs: rapid weight change, frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, hiding food, secretive eating, strict dieting rules, excessive exercise, obsession with calories or macros, avoidance of social meals, mood swings, dizziness, fainting, and irregular periods in women. Physical warning signs include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, dental enamel erosion (from vomiting), and electrolyte problems. If you see fainting, chest pain, severe lightheadedness, or suicidal thoughts, get emergency care.

Real treatment options and what to expect

Treatment combines medical care, therapy, and nutrition support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a first-line therapy for bulimia and binge-eating disorder. For adolescents, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) helps caregivers take an active role in refeeding and recovery. Nutritional counseling addresses meal planning and restoring healthy eating patterns. Some people benefit from medications—fluoxetine (an SSRI) is FDA-approved for bulimia, and other antidepressants can help with binge-eating and mood symptoms. Severe cases may need short-term hospitalization for medical stabilization and supervised refeeding.

Expect treatment to be gradual. Early intervention improves outcomes, but recovery often takes months to years. Regular medical monitoring is essential: labs, ECGs, and bone density checks may be needed depending on symptoms.

Practical steps to find help: start with your primary care provider for blood tests and a referral. Search for therapists who specialize in eating disorders or ask local hospitals about an eating-disorder program. Look for registered dietitians with experience in disordered eating. If cost or access is a barrier, many regions offer community clinics, university training programs, or telehealth options.

If you’re supporting someone else, keep your tone nonjudgmental: say you’re worried about specific signs (missed meals, fainting) and offer to help with appointments. Avoid commenting on weight or food as moral issues. Small actions—going to a first appointment together, removing language about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods at home, and keeping family meals calm—can help a lot.

Eating disorders are treatable. Acting early, getting medical checks, and linking to therapists and dietitians give the best chance for recovery. If you’re unsure what to do first, call your doctor or a local mental health hotline and tell them you need an eating-disorder evaluation.