Eating Disorder Symptoms -- 5 Key Questions

This is a quick screening tool that can help you recognize common eating disorder symptoms. While eating disorder behaviors are vast, these questions will indicate if there is a problem.

Do you ever feel too 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 have bulimia. 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 ever feel as though you have no control over the amount you eat?

Feeling out of control with food is one of the most common eating disorder symptoms . It may mean binge eating disorder or compulsive overeating, as well as bulimia. This feeling is very chaotic and uncomfortable and should be treated professionally.

Have you recently lost more than 15 pounds in a three-month period?

Rapid weight loss is characteristic of anorexia. Excessive weight loss can come from any starting weight. You may find someone engaging in these behaviors who is not actually underweight by medical standards. A person may appear healthy if they started from a weight above ideal body weight range. A person who has had rapid weight loss like this needs to get treatment, regardless of their current weight.

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 how others see you, there is a problem. The inability to see yourself accurately is called body dysmorphic disorder. This disorder is commonly linked with other eating disorder symptoms and requires professional treatment.

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.

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. Find out about the dangers of eating disorder pregnancy or more basic information on eating disorders