When To Worry About An Eating Disorder

November 21, 2020 3 years ago leave a comment 419 Views Likes:

When To Worry About An Eating Disorder

An eating disorder is defined by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person’s physical and/or mental health. It is most common in teen and young adult years.

Most eating disorders involve focusing too much on your weight, body shape, and food, leading to dangerous eating behaviors. These behaviors can significantly impact your body’s ability to get appropriate nutrition and also result in serious health consequences and even death if left untreated.

Always be alert for eating patterns and beliefs that may signal unhealthy behavior, as well as peer pressure that may trigger eating disorders in your teens. You can start worrying about an eating disorder if you are going through this:

• Adopting an overly restrictive vegetarian diet
• Excessive focus on healthy eating
• Forcing oneself to vomit
• Withdrawing from normal social activities
• Constantly complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight
• Checking the mirror for perceived flaws
• Frequently skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
• Repeatedly eating large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods
• Excessive exercise and workouts to avoid gaining weight
• Making your meals rather than eating what the family eats
• Leaving during meals to use the toilet
• Eating much more food than is considered normal
• Use of dietary supplements, laxatives, or herbal products for weight loss, even when not needed
• Expressing depression, disgust, shame, or guilt about eating habits
• Eating in secret

 

An eating disorder can be difficult to manage or overcome by yourself. If you’re worried that your child may have an eating disorder, seek medical help to discuss your concerns. With treatment, you can return to healthier eating habits and sometimes reverse serious complications caused by the eating disorder.

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