Eating disorders are more common than most people realize, and these disorders must be caught early or they could result in life-altering health complications. Here is a quick look at some of the early warning signs of an eating disorder that you should never ignore.

A Change in Eating Habits

Many people who have eating disorders develop unusual eating habits. Some of them will try to eat alone while others will hide their food so that it looks like they are eating more than they actually are. Those are both clear signs that something serious is taking place, and you must immediately address these issues if you want to avoid long-term consequences. An untreated eating disorder will greatly increase an individual’s risk of countless health complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and organ failure.

Obsessing over Their Weight or Shape

It is perfectly natural to be insecure in some situations, but an individual shouldn’t be obsessed with the shape or size of their body. When a person has an eating disorder, they will usually become preoccupied with their appearance. Over time, they might become so obsessed that they can hardly talk about anything else. Many people who have eating disorders also exercise multiple hours a day even though their training is doing more harm than good.

Unusual Food Rituals

Another unique side effect of eating disorders is the development of food rituals. Ritualistic eating might seem harmless, but it is sometimes the result of severe anxiety over food. Some of the food rituals that you should keep an eye out for include obsessing over the size of each bite, spending huge amounts of time arranging plates, and disassembling food items. Many of these rituals are used to delay the act of eating so that it isn’t obvious the person is avoiding food.

Aversion to Getting Help

An eating disorder can eventually take over every aspect of an individual’s life, and that person will most likely deny that they need any help at all. They probably won’t even want to consider eating disorder treatment facilities or professional therapy. Unfortunately, very few people beat these disorders on their own, and that is why you need to seek out professional assistance.

Overcoming an eating disorder is going to be a lengthy and emotional process, but treatments are more effective than ever. If you have recently noticed any of these early warning signs, then you must immediately contact an eating disorder specialist who can help you come up with a long-term treatment plan.