Eating disorders: warning signs

Struggles with food, body image and eating can be deeply painful and often hidden, and recognising the signs early can make a real difference in getting the right support.

What it is

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions involving a person's relationship with food, eating and body image. They aren't a lifestyle choice or about vanity - they often develop as a way of coping with difficult emotions, control, or distress, and they can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, weight or background. A professional can assess whether someone's eating patterns meet the criteria for a diagnosis, but noticing the warning signs early and reaching out for support matters, whether or not a diagnosis follows.

Signs to notice

• Preoccupation with food, calories, weight or body shape that takes up a lot of mental space
• Skipping meals, extreme dietary restriction, or rigid food rules
• Eating large amounts of food in a short time, often followed by guilt or distress
• Behaviours like vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use after eating
• Avoiding meals with others or eating in secret
• Significant weight changes, fatigue, dizziness, or digestive problems
• Strong anxiety or distress around eating, body image, or being watched while eating
• Withdrawal from friends, family or activities that involve food

What helps

• Take the signs seriously, in yourself or someone you care about - eating disorders often worsen without support
• If you're worried about someone, approach them gently and without judgement, focusing on how they're feeling rather than their eating or appearance
• Avoid commenting on weight, food or bodies, even with good intentions - this can increase distress
• Encourage professional support rather than trying to fix the situation yourself
• Be patient - recovery is often gradual and non-linear
• Look after your own wellbeing too if you're supporting someone else through this

When to reach out for help

Reach out to a professional as soon as you notice these signs, in yourself or someone else. Early support significantly improves outcomes. Seek urgent medical care if there are signs of severe physical illness - fainting, chest pain, extreme weakness, or an irregular heartbeat.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind counsellors can provide confidential support and help connect you or your loved one to specialised eating disorder services. Your GP is a good starting point for a physical and mental health assessment and referral. For general mental health support, contact the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837.

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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, reach out now. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428.