Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorder Support

Recognising Signs and When to Seek Help

Summary:

Many people who experience eating difficulties are unsure whether what they are dealing with is an eating disorder. Symptoms do not always look the way they are portrayed publicly, and they can change over time.

This article is designed to help you reflect on patterns and experiences, rather than diagnose yourself. A formal diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional, but recognising that something may not feel right can be an important first step.

Eating disorders are not always obvious

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions. They are not defined solely by weight, appearance, or how much someone eats.

Some people with eating disorders:

• Appear physically well

• Maintain work, study, or relationships

• Do not identify with stereotypes about eating disorders

  
  

What matters more than outward appearance is the impact eating has on thoughts, emotions, and daily life.

Patterns that may raise concern

People experience eating disorders in different ways, but certain patterns are commonly reported.

Changes in eating behaviour

This may include:

• Skipping meals or eating inconsistently

• Feeling compelled to follow strict food rules

• Episodes of eating that feel out of control

• Avoiding eating in certain situations or around others

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The key issue is often distress or rigidity, rather than any single behaviour.

Preoccupation with food, weight, or control

Some people notice:

• Persistent thoughts about food, eating, or body shape

• Anxiety about weight change or loss of control

• Difficulty focusing on other areas of life

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These thoughts can be exhausting and intrusive, even if eating appears “normal” on the surface.

Physical or bodily changes

Eating difficulties can sometimes affect the body, such as:

• Fluctuations in weight

• Digestive discomfort or low energy

• Feeling cold, tired, or unwell more often

  
  

Not everyone experiences noticeable physical symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Emotional and social impact

Eating disorders often affect emotional wellbeing and relationships. People may experience:

• Increased anxiety, low mood, or irritability

• Withdrawal from social situations involving food

• Shame or guilt linked to eating

  
  

These experiences can feel isolating and difficult to talk about.

Different eating difficulties, different experiences

Eating disorders can take many forms. Some commonly recognised patterns include:

• Restrictive eating, where food intake becomes increasingly limited

• Binge eating, involving episodes of eating that feel hard to control

• Binge–purge cycles, where eating is followed by compensatory behaviours

• Avoidant or sensory-based restriction, such as in ARFID

  
  

You do not need to fit neatly into one category for support to be appropriate.

Questions that may help you reflect

Rather than asking “Do I have an eating disorder?”, it can be more helpful to consider questions such as:

• Does eating cause me significant stress or anxiety?

• Do my eating habits feel rigid or difficult to change?

• Is food or body-related worry taking up a lot of mental space?

• Are my eating behaviours affecting my health, mood, or relationships?

  
  

Answering “yes” to some of these does not mean you have a diagnosis, but it may indicate that further

support could be helpful.

Why professional assessment matters

Eating disorders can be difficult to understand from the inside. Professional assessment provides:

• A clearer picture of what is going on

• Consideration of physical and psychological factors

• Guidance on whether treatment is recommended and what kind

  
  

Assessment is not a commitment to treatment. It is a way of gaining clarity.

When it may be time to reach out

If eating concerns are persistent, distressing, or worsening, seeking professional input can be an important step. You do not need to wait until things feel “severe enough”.

Early support can reduce risk and help prevent patterns from becoming more entrenched.

How we can help

At The Eating Disorders Clinic, we offer assessment-led, specialist support for people who are unsure whether they may be experiencing an eating disorder, as well as for those who already have a diagnosis.

Our approach is calm, collaborative, and focused on understanding your individual experience.

A gentle next step

If you would like to talk things through, you are welcome to book a free initial call with our team.

You can also review our website to understand how assessment and support work before making any decisions.

Author: Stefanos Pagonidis – Clinical Director, Lead Dietitian at the Eating Disorders Clinic

References:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2017). Eating disorders: recognition and treatment. NICE guideline [NG69].

• Treasure, J., Claudino, A. M., & Zucker, N. (2010). Eating disorders.

• Fairburn, C. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2003). Eating disorders.