Common signs and symptoms of an eating disorder include:

• Preoccupation with food, weight or body image: constantly thinking about food, calories, dieting, weight or body shape.

• Changes in eating habits: Extreme dieting, skipping meals, avoiding social situations involving food, or eating large amounts of food in a short time.

• Rapid weight changes: significant weight loss or gain in a short period of time, often accompanied by changes in clothing size.

• Distorted body image: perceiving one’s body size or shape inaccurately, seeing oneself as overweight even when underweight.

• Obsessive exercise: exercising excessively, feeling compelled to “burn off” consumed calories or punish oneself for eating.

• Secretive behaviour: hiding food, eating in secret or disappearing after meals to engage in purging behaviours.

• Physical symptoms: fatigue, dizziness, fainting, weakness, hair loss, dry skin or feeling cold all the time.

• Mood changes: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression or social withdrawal.

• Denial of problem: minimising or denying the seriousness of disordered eating behaviours, even in the face of evidence.

• Withdrawal from usual activities: avoiding social events or activities that involve food, isolating oneself from friends and family.

It is important to note that individuals may not exhibit all of these symptoms, and symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the eating disorder. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, seeking professional help is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.