There are pros and cons to focusing on diet and exercise. Eating disorders are psychological disorders that lead to unhealthy and dangerous eating and sometimes even exercise patters. If you or a loved one is exhibiting concerning behavior regarding eating habits, there are several signs they could be suffering from an eating disorder.
In this article, we will discuss some of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder. Nevertheless, we cannot stress enough the importance of contacting a professional if you or someone you know exhibits these or other symptoms. Signs of eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating include:
1) Uncharacteristic or Unusual Eating Habits
A key sign of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating is strange or uncharacteristic eating patterns. If you or someone you love suddenly stops eating regularly, or begins binging without gaining weight, there is cause for concern. Poor eating patterns may present gradually and begin as a simple change in diet or effort to lose weight.
2) Depression and Anxiety Related to Diet and Exercise
If you or a loved one is fraught with depression and anxiety related to diet and exercise, it could be a sign of an eating disorder. Anxiety related to eating may include:
- Intense frustration regarding available foods
- Checking weight on the scales often
- Stress regarding missing exercise
- Working out to the point of injury
- Difficulty making choices at restaurants
3) Rapid Losing or Gaining Weight
Cultural emphases on healthy living and wellness have made it commonplace that our friends and family are often fluctuating in weight; however, if you or a loved one seems to frequently go on crash diets, or conversely gain wait rapidly in a relatively short time, it could be a sign of unhealthy eating and possibly even an eating disorder.
4) Hiding Eating Patterns and Food
Do you or your loved ones sneak food or hide when eating? When someone seeks to hide their eating or eating patterns from those around them, it is a key sign of an eating disorder. Meals are naturally social events; therefore, it is important to pay close attention if you have a desire to withdraw from eating with your friends and family.
5) Battles with Body Image and Self-Esteem
It is common for anyone to feel like they would like to look better; however, when that desire becomes an obsession that begins to significantly change our behaviors and feelings about ourselves, it is imperative to seek help from a medical professional. Our cognitive behavioral practice in Asheville, NC has seen significant success treating eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. We will be happy to help.