Don’t Miss the Warnings: 8 Surprising Signs of an Eating Disorder

Julia Actis, Assistant Clinical Manager • September 20, 2024

Eating disorders (i.e. bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder) are known for being inconspicuous mental health disorders, meaning they can hide in plain sight until treatment is well overdue. Due to harmful stereotypes, many may assume that only thin, white women experience eating disorders. However, eating disorders do not discriminate, and those of any gender, age, race, or background can experience an eating disorder. The warning signs for an eating disorder are often subtle and can go unnoticed, normalized by diet culture and societal norms. Recognizing lesser known signs of an eating disorder can be the first step towards treatment and recovery. Below are 8 surprising signs of an eating disorder that can help you better understand and identify this serious condition: 


1.Frequent Diets

Do you have a friend or family member that is constantly updating you on their newest diet?  Whether it’s Keto, veganism, or suddenly going gluten free, frequent dietary changes and strict conditions established by specific diets can be a warning sign that someone is experiencing an eating disorder. 


2. Changes in Eating Habits

When someone makes changes to the way they eat, this can be an indication of an eating disorder. This may look like declining eating out at restaurants, only eating in certain rooms like the bedroom or living room, or eating in a certain order (i.e. protein, vegetables, and then carbs). Establishing strict rules around how one eats or “food rituals” is reason to have concerns.


3. Social Withdrawal

If a loved one begins displaying signs of social withdrawal and frequent isolation, an eating disorder could be to blame. There are a few reasons we see social withdrawal in those experiencing eating disorders: Eating disorders affect one’s perception of their own body, and skipping out on social outings can prevent potential judgment. People may avoid social settings altogether to keep from eating foods they do not consider “safe.” Additionally, eating disorders impact energy levels and mood, leading to a disinterest in social interactions. 


4. Wearing Baggy Clothes 

Because eating disorders impact an individual's relationship with their body, it is not uncommon for those experiencing an eating disorder to want to conceal their body under baggy or ill-fitting clothing. They may disguise weight loss or gain to hide their eating disorder, or combat negative body image through clothes that do not reveal body size or shape. 


5. Cooking and Baking Foods Without Eating Them 

If someone is often cooking and baking, they must have a good relationship with food then, right? It’s actually a common symptom of eating disorders to prepare food without eating it. Some people who experience eating disorders may cook elaborate meals or bake fancy treats without ever having a bite themselves.


6. Excessive Interest in What Other People Eat 

Someone struggling with an eating disorder may show an above average level of interest in what is (or is not) on other people’s plates. Individuals experiencing an eating disorder can become preoccupied with thoughts around food, leading to a heightened interest in what other people are eating. The competitive nature of eating disorders may also lead to someone feeling like they need to eat less or more than their peers. 


7. Insomnia 

Hunger can impact our ability to sleep, and it‘s common for those with eating disorders to experience insomnia or restlessness when it’s time to lay down for bed. Eating disorders can also negatively impact melatonin production, damaging the circadian rhythm. 


8. Personality Changes 

Eating disorders can affect someone’s mood and emotional regulation. Imagine if someone was “hangry” 24/7. This is what having an eating disorder can be like, heightening mood swings and emotional reactions. If a loved one becomes more moody or reactionary than normal, an eating disorder may be responsible.


Just because someone is experiencing any of the above symptoms does not mean they have an eating disorder, but it is important to be cognizant of any red flags. Eating disorders often manifest in unexpected ways, extending beyond the typical symptoms associated with the condition. By acknowledging lesser-known signs, we can break down barriers to diagnose and treat this serious illness, leading to earlier intervention and better treatment outcomes overall. You can learn more about eating disorders, symptoms, and treatment through our free
eating disorder guide “Recovery is Real”. If you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help today, Thrive Wellness is here for you. 


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December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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