An eating disorder is a serious mental health concern that can have a huge impact on one’s mental health and wellbeing. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, anorexia nervosa is the most common eating disorder, affecting about 1 in 15,000 women in the U.S. and 1 in 100,000 men. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, please call 1-800-931-2237 to speak to a licensed therapist about treatment options.

We get it. Dieting can be really tough. There are a million reasons why you can’t gain the weight that would make you happy. Sometimes, though, things aren’t as bad as you perceive them to be. And that’s OK.
There are many types of eating disorders, including ones you may never have heard of. If you are worried that you have this disease and don’t know it, read this article for more information and tips on what to do.

Understanding eating disorders

You may think that eating disorders are unique to a certain type of person. That’s not the case. Almost anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, and there are many different eating disorders that can manifest in a person, including anorexia, bulimia, or even excessive exercise. While you may be able to overcome an eating disorder on your own, it is probably more helpful to seek help for a possible eating disorder. Treatment programs are available, if you feel you should take advantage of them. Here’s how you can see it.

  • They have rituals that have to do with food.
  • Sometimes we eat things that are not food.
  • You are fixated on what you eat and how much you eat.
  • You skip meals more often.
  • You lose weight fast.
  • You feel nauseous when you eat too much or at any time.
  • You have health problems due to poor nutrition.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, consider working with a therapist for additional support. You can also use this test to determine if you have an eating disorder. It can also help you find a therapist with whom you want to work to address your eating disorder and its possible causes.

Studies have shown that therapy for eating disorders can be helpful, especially for women. This is good news if you are a woman with an eating disorder and want to change your behavior.

Conduct an investigation

In addition to working with a therapist, you should probably see your doctor if you’re trying to overcome an eating disorder. You may experience many physical symptoms, some of which can lead to serious health problems that need to be treated. For example, menstrual disorders, headaches, the development of diseases like diabetes, and suppression of the immune system are all possible when you have an eating disorder. Some of these conditions may require treatment even after one has overcome an eating disorder. Moreover, you can relax when you have these physical issues checked and your doctor gives you a positive report.

Give yourself time

You may have been suffering from an eating disorder for years without realizing it. So you have to feel comfortable during the treatment. It will take time to change your habits, and it may take time to think differently about food. Don’t be hard on yourself if you make a mistake, because by continuing to work on yourself, you can see your health improve. It’s worth holding on to and getting through. Work with a therapist if necessary, and do your best to get support from others as well. Support from loved ones can be the boost you need to stay on track.

Overview

If you think you have an eating disorder, it’s worth getting checked out to be sure. There are different types of eating disorders, and it’s hard to know if you have one just by looking at your symptoms. However, if you have the symptoms of an eating disorder, you need to get the help you need to overcome it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as an eating disorder?

Many people suffer from eating disorders. Though the precise cause of eating disorders is still unknown, it is generally thought that eating disorders are a result of the stress and anxiety suffered by the sufferer. Other misconceptions include that an eating disorder is something that is just plain wrong, whereas it is a disease, just like diabetes or heart disease. Eating disorders are very serious mental conditions that can affect an individual’s health. There are many symptoms that can be present in an individual with an eating disorder, and it’s important to know what they are and what those symptoms mean.

What are the five warning signs of orthorexia?

Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with healthy food and extreme “clean” eating. It’s also a growing concern among nutritionists, who worry that orthorexics can’t tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods and may be overconsuming foods that are healthy for them and avoiding foods that are unhealthy. Some orthorexics may also harm their own bodies with extreme exercise and clean eating. Orthorexia is a term coined by Richard Zesiger to describe an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. The term was created in 1992 to describe an eating disorder that rejects conventional dietary advice and instead involves an obsession with “health food”. This type of obsession is typically triggered by a negative experience in which the sufferer has been confronted with a health scare such as a food allergy. The sufferer then spends a long period of time researching food and nutrition as a means to protect themselves against future health scares.

How do I know if I have anorexia?

For many years, mental health professionals have been referring to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia as “eating disorders” or “eating disorders” because they make the assumption that the problem with the eating disorder is the eating disorder. In reality, there is a problem with the person and not the eating disorder. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be signs of anorexia. If you are concerned that you may have an eating disorder, seek help from a mental health professional. He or she can conduct a mental health evaluation to determine if you have an eating disorder.