If you have a teenage child or loved one, chances are you have wondered what the warning signs of an eating disorder may be. Because of the high emphasis our society places on being thin, many teens and adults struggle with having the right body image. Stick thin celebrities do not help with this problem. Parents and other family and friends need to be aware of what to look for and how to help if they have a child they think might have an eating disorder.

There are three main types of eating disorders. Anorexia is the inability or lack of desire to eat. Bulimia nervosa is compulsive over eating and then purging the system through throwing up. Compulsive overeating is exactly what it sounds like, uncontrollable overeating. Each one of these three disorders is emotional problems that need to be addressed, as they have serious consequences.

Eating disorders are obsessions that are often fueled by guilt or anxiety. Often the person suffering from an eating disorder will separated themselves from friends and family. The disorder, if left untreated can become life threatening, so it is important to know exactly what to look for.

Warning signs of eating disorders are varied, and may or may not be obvious. Some of the obvious signs are a noticeable, unexplainable change in weight, which may be weight gain or weight loss. If that is paired with abnormal eating habits, such as extreme dieting, binging, strange behavior at meals, or desire to eat strange foods, chances are you have a person suffering from an eating disorder. Another sign is an obsessive preoccupation with body shape and weight. Excessive exercising can be anther sign of an eating disorder. Finally, depression and irritability usually accompany eating disorders.

A person may exhibit these behaviors and not have and eating disorder, so watch carefully. If someone skips meals, and eats only small bits of food when forced to eat, chances are you have a problem. This person will always have an excuse for why they are not eating, usually great excuses. Also, the person that is suffering from an eating disorder will have a sudden aversion to foods that they used to love. They will often brag about the healthy foods they are eating, and usually drinks diet drinks. Those suffering from eating disorders are obsessed with food labels, and are extremely disciplined about what and when they eat.

The flip side of that type of disorder is the person who binges, by emptying the fridge. They usually have a special food that they binge on, like chocolate or ice cream. Binging is often followed by regurgitation, as the person is obsessing about gaining weight. Watch for empty packages of food, a foul smell in the bathroom, and extra time spent in the bathroom.

If you suspect someone you love has an eating disorder, do not be harsh with them, as this might fuel the problem. They need to get professional help. Do whatever you can to get them to a counselor, and share your concerns with the counselor. Even if they do not have an eating disorder, they probably have a poor body image if they are obsessing about their weight, and they need help to accept themselves. Get help as soon as you can, before the problem becomes out of control.