It is important to be able to assess if you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, and 1 in 5 people are. These questions will help to show eating disorder symptoms, though the behaviors can vary.
Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
Bulimia is associated with the urge to get rid of food. This is not just vomiting, as there are many techniques a person with bulimia will use. There are many behaviors a person can use when they feel too full. These habits include laxative use, compulsive overexercise and restriction.
Do you ever feel as though you have no control over the amount you eat?
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 others say you look fine, but you still see yourself as fat?
This question is also important even if others are not saying you are too thin, but even just fine or not fat. If what you see in yourself is very different from what others see, there is a good chance you are struggling with some level of body dysmorphic disorder. It is important to get appropriate help with this disorder as it can be very destructive to your life.
Would you say that food dominates 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.
If you answer yes to two or more of the above questions, chances are you may be struggling with an eating disorder. It is critical to seek help for eating disorder behavior. While some people are able to overcome the behaviors on their own, the true underlying issues must be addressed. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the above issues, please seek help immediately.
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