Families in Pakistan often notice something is off before they have words for it. A teenager who used to love biryani now picks at her plate. A university student in Lahore starts skipping sehri during Ramadan even when he is not fasting. A young woman weighs herself three times a day and still insists she is overweight. These are not just phases or fads. They may be early signs of an eating disorder.<\/p>\n
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves around food, body weight, and body image. They are not a lifestyle choice or a sign of weakness. According to a 2024 study published in PMC examining Pakistani undergraduate students, roughly 19.5% showed signs of disordered eating, with binge eating episodes being the most commonly reported behaviour. A separate 2025 systematic review in Research Square, analysing 21 studies on Pakistani youth, found a strong association between heavy social media use and disordered eating, with Instagram and TikTok named as key drivers of body dissatisfaction.<\/p>\n
Spotting the signs early matters. Most people with eating disorders do not look visibly unwell, and the behaviours often develop quietly over months. Knowing what to look for, whether in yourself or someone you care about, can make a real difference.<\/p>\n