There is a quick screening tool that can give you an idea if you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder. While eating disorder symptoms are vast, these questions will indicate if there is a problem.
Do you ever feel to full and want to get rid of the food or calories?
Clearly this question will indicate bulimic behaviors. It is important to note, you do not necessarily have to make yourself vomit in order to be bulimic. There are many other ways a person tries to get rid of food when they feel they have overeaten. These methods include: exercise, laxative use, restriction, etc.
Do you feel out of control with food?
The most common indicator of an eating disorder is feeling out of control with food. This feeling is common in compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder and bulimia. If you or someone you know feels this way, you need to get help.
Have you lost 15 pounds recently, particularly in a 3 month period?
It is characteristic of anorexia to see a rapid weight loss. Weight loss like this is dangerous, regardless of the starting weight. A person with anorexic behaviors may not yet be below a normal weight. It is common to see someone start out above ideal body weight range, so that after weight loss they still look normal. Do not be fooled into thinking person is not in just as critical need for treatment.
Do you believe yourself to be fat when others say you are too thin?
If there is a big difference between how you see yourself and others see you, there is a problem. The inability to see yourself accurately is called body dysmorphic disorder. This disorder is commonly linked with eating disorders and requires professional treatment.
Does food seem to have taken over your life?
This question pertains to all types of eating disorders. Food and body thoughts will take up the majority of one’s thoughts when they are struggling with an eating disorder. This absolutely robs a person of the opportunity to enjoy their life. It is a constant distraction that prevents a person from really experiencing what is happening around them.
You are probably struggling with an eating disorder if you answered yes to at least two of the above questions. Recovery from an eating disorder requires professional treatment. Though some people have been able to quit engaging in behaviors alone, their underlying problems have not be solved. If someone is dealing with the above thoughts or scenarios, it is critical to immediately seek treatment.
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