7 Signs You Might Be Struggling With an Eating Disorder
Think eating disorders are only about weight loss? Think again. Here are 7 subtle signs you might be struggling — and how to get the support you deserve.
When people think about eating disorders, they often picture extreme weight loss or dramatic behavior changes. But the truth is, many eating disorders go unnoticed — even by the person struggling.
As a therapist specializing in eating disorder recovery, I’ve worked with many clients who told me, “I didn’t think it was bad enough to get help.” The reality is: if food and body thoughts are interfering with your life, it’s valid — and you deserve support.
Here are 7 signs you might be struggling with an eating disorder, even if it doesn’t “look like it.”
1. You Think About Food All the Time
If food planning, calorie counting, or obsessing over what you “should” or “shouldn’t” eat takes up a big chunk of your mental space, that’s not normal — it’s exhausting.
2. You Feel Anxious or Guilty After Eating
Do meals come with shame, regret, or fear of “messing up”? Guilt after eating is a red flag that something deeper may be going on.
3. You Avoid Social Events Because of Food
If you’ve ever skipped a birthday dinner or canceled plans because you were afraid of what food would be there, it’s worth paying attention to that.
4. You’re Caught in a Cycle of Restriction and Binging
You might eat very little during the day, then find yourself binging at night. This cycle isn’t about willpower — it’s about biology and unmet emotional needs.
5. You Feel Like Your Worth Is Tied to Your Body
If your mood, self-esteem, or sense of control is based on how your body looks or how much you weigh, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to live this way.
6. Exercise Feels Mandatory, Not Joyful
Working out can be great for mental health — but if skipping a workout ruins your day or feels like a punishment for eating, that could be a sign of disordered behavior.
7. You Feel Like It’s “Not That Bad”
Many people minimize their symptoms because they don’t fit the stereotypical image of an eating disorder. But eating disorders exist on a spectrum — and you deserve care no matter where you fall on it.
You’re Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you recognized yourself in any of these signs, I want you to know this: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. Recovery is possible, and reaching out for support is a powerful first step.
As a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorder treatment, I help clients move from shame and overwhelm to freedom and healing.
Ready to start your recovery journey? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.