With rising concerns about whether some models in the fashion world are unhealthily thin, Talent Management looks to the CFDA for advice on spotting the warning signs of eating disorders.

As one of Europe’s leading modelling agencies, Talent Management, along with all members of the fashion industry, is on the front line when it comes to recognising the signs of eating disorders.

As such, we regularly check out the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Health Initiative for sound guidance on this challenging issue.

Below are the more common warning signs of an eating disorder issued by the CFDA, which if identified and subsequently treated, can lead to an improved outcome.

However, the CFDA does state that while alone, none of the warning signs listed below indicate a definite eating disorder, each of these behaviours and attitudes, particularly in combination, may warrant clinical attention.

Drastic change in eating or exercise patterns
Skipping meals; eating very little; denying hunger
Avoiding situations that involve food or eating
Unusual food rituals or behaviours (cutting food into little pieces, pushing food around on plate without eating it, hiding food in napkin)
Adherence to a very strict diet or rules about food/eating
Obsessive counting of calories, carbohydrates, or fat grams
Regularly eating large amounts of food without weight gain
Tendency to go to the bathroom after eating
Hiding food; eating in secret
Extreme fears of gaining weight
Severe dissatisfaction with body weight, shape or appearance
Rapid weight loss
Using extreme measures to lose weight (e.g., laxatives, diet pills, diuretics)
Compulsive or driven exercise; inflexible exercise routine
Talking about weight, shape, and/or food all the time
Irritability, moodiness, depression
Withdrawing from friends and/or activities
Cuts and calluses on the back of the hands
Dental enamel problems
Wearing loose-fitting clothing to conceal weight loss
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
Sensitivity to the cold

As the symptoms of an eating disorder frequently involve private behaviours or thoughts, detecting a problem can be extremely challenging.

However, if you are worried about someone, Talent Management suggests you seek professional advice. For more information, contact info@cfda.com.