“Do I have an eating disorder?” This is a difficult question that you may consider if you are exhibiting signs of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or some other type of problem with food. If you believe that you or someone else has an eating disorder, then you may want to consult a disordered eating treatment program.
By working with a specialist, you may identify the condition and the causes of your disorder. Furthermore, you can explore solutions for helping you overcome your condition. “Do I have an eating disorder?” Let’s explore the answer to that question below.
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder refers to an illness or condition that is characterized by abnormal eating habits and an unhealthy concern over body image or weight. The overriding problem is an obsession with food – whether eating too much or too little. Abnormal food intake can affect several areas of a person’s life, including their relationships, finances, health, and job.
Common eating disorders may include:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Pica
- Rumination disorder
Pica is a disorder that occurs when a person persistently eats items that are not considered food. This may include soap, dirt, or even fingernails. Rumination disorder is when someone repeatedly regurgitates food and either swallows it back or spits it out. Rumination is not the same as bulimia.
Do I Have an Eating Disorder?
A disorder occurs when an abnormal eating activity is repeated over and again based on a person’s views toward eating or their bodies. Therefore, the occasional binge or an isolated incident does not qualify as a disorder (although it could lead to one). Signs of an eating disorder may include:
Restriction of Food Intake
The purpose of restricting one’s eating is to lose weight. Therefore, they may limit what type of foods they eat, or they may starve and eat as little as possible. This condition is known as anorexia. A person may restrict their food intake even when there is no reason to.
Intense Fear of Gaining Weight
Most people have a concern over getting fat, even if they do nothing to stay healthy. However, a person who has a disorder is obsessed with weight and has an unfounded fear of putting on more pounds. An anorexia treatment program is designed to help a person overcome their fear and see that their beliefs are not rational.
False Perception of Body Weight and Shape
A person who is obsessed with their body weight or shape may never recognize that there is nothing wrong with their body. Even when they attain the desired weight or shape, they will continue with the disorder due to false perceptions of what they look like.
Recurrent Behavior That Reinforces the Disorder
A person who may suffer from anorexia or bulimia will engage in behaviors that reinforce the disorders. Typical behaviors include self-induced vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. They may also abuse medications, diuretics, or laxatives.
Poor Self-Image
One thing that almost all eating disorders have in common is that the person has a poor self-image. Their evaluation is almost always influenced by the way they look. Therefore, they strive for perfection in all areas of their body and image. In most cases, however, they never attain what they are looking for in their mind.
Get Help for Your Eating Disorder Today
“Do I have an eating disorder?” Learn more about the answers to that question by joining a bulimia nervosa treatment program in your area. You can get the help you need to overcome your eating disorder today.