Detecting Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders: A Guide for Health Professionals

As health professionals, we are often the first line of detection when it comes to eating disorders. Our jobs are to promote and manage the health and well-being of our patients. There are times when a patient’s health focused behaviors might seem innocent, but could actually indicate a bigger problem going on. Here in this blog we will take a look at some early warning signs that might indicate that a patient is struggling with an eating disorder. 

1. A change in weight in between visits 

Eating disorder behaviors, such as restricting, purging, excessive exercise, and binging can often cause the body to change. This can lead to drastic weight loss or weight gain. In adolescents, weight changes are often the first sign to tip providers off to eating disorder behaviors. Now of course, we know that weight is not an accurate measure of health. However, if you notice that a client’s weight has changed in between visits, a gentle conversation about their daily eating could give your more insight to warrant concern or not. 

2. A change in vitals 

Eating disorder behaviors can cause vitals such as heart rate and blood pressure to change. A person that has been restricting their food intake might be found to have a lower heart rate. This occurs due to the stress that malnutrition causes to the heart and cardiovascular system. As health professionals, we might see a lower heart rate and think “Good job!”. In reality, we could be complimenting an eating disorder. If you notice a change in vitals in between visits, it would be a good idea to ask about eating and exercise habits of your patients. 

3. A patient has become more withdrawn from their supports and daily life 

Eating disorders thrive in isolation. A person experiencing eating disorder symptoms might begin to withdraw from their daily life. This could be cancelling social gatherings, not going to social eating events, cancelling trips with others. If a patient tells you that they have stopped engaging in activities the previously enjoyed or have begun cancelling events with others, it would be a good idea to screen for mental health in general, including for eating disorder behaviors. 

4. They have started cutting out foods or entire food groups 

Eating disorders can often convince us that certain foods and food groups are bad. This might lead to someone removing foods and food groups from their diet. This is an example that could be easy to misinterpret as someone being health focused of health conscious. We know that all foods fit and all foods can provide nutrition to the body. If a client does not have an allergy, specific health concern, or illness that would warrant the removal of specific foods from the diet, then it would be a good idea to investigate further.

5. A patient is experiencing dizziness and fainting

Restricting, purging, and excessive exercise can cause someone to experience dizziness and fainting spells. These symptoms can occur suddenly, often leaving the patient questioning why they occurred. A patient reaching out to a health professional about these symptoms might not have made the connection to specific food and exercise behaviors. If a patient was previously healthy with no medical conditions that could cause dizziness and fainting, then asking about eating and exercise habits would be a good place to start. 

Final Thoughts on Early Eating Disorder Warning Signs for Health Professionals

Thank you for reading this guide to early warming signs of eating disorders. If you suspect that a patient is experiencing eating disorder symptoms, the best course of action is to refer the patient to professionals who specialize in this field. Courage to Nourish provides nutrition counseling and services for people of all ages and all types of eating disorders. Reach out today for a complimentary discovery call to learn more and schedule an appointment, today!