What is a warning sign of anorexia nervosa?

Eating in response to depression is more characteristic of emotional eating or binge eating disorder, not the rigid caloric restriction that defines anorexia nervosa.

Individuals with anorexia nervosa frequently choose to eat alone to conceal the degree of their caloric restriction from family, friends, and peers who might pressure them to eat more. This secretive eating behavior is a well-documented warning sign that reflects both the psychological control component of the disorder and the individual's awareness that their intake is socially unacceptable. It represents a behavioral indicator rather than a purely physical one, and is distinct from warning signs associated with other eating disorders.

Visiting the bathroom immediately after meals is a warning sign of bulimia nervosa, indicating compensatory purging behavior, not anorexia nervosa.

Cyclical gains and losses in body weight are more associated with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, whereas anorexia typically presents with sustained, progressive weight loss.