The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of eating disorder. Red flags that may indicate an eating disorder include skipping meals or making excuses for not eating; adopting an overly restrictive vegetarian diet; excessive focus on healthy eating; making one’s own meals rather than eating what the family eats; withdrawing from normal social activities; persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight; frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws; repeatedly eating large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods; use of dietary supplements, laxatives, or herbal products for weight loss; excessive exercise; calluses on the knuckles from inducing vomiting; problems with loss of tooth enamel that may be a sign of repeated vomiting; leaving during meals to use the toilet; eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal; expressing depression, disgust, shame, or guilt about eating habits; or eating in secret.