Eating disorders can be characterised by an abnormal attitude towards food that causes someone to change their eating habits and behaviour.
A person with an eating disorder may focus excessively on their weight and shape, leading them to make unhealthy choices about food with damaging results to their health.
Here are some of the most common signs:
Do you feel preoccupied with food thoughts?
If the planning of meals and the ins-and-outs of your diet are taking over your thoughts, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Staying on top of what you eat is fine, but if you’re verging into food obsessiveness please don’t ignore it.
Do you have rigid rules around food?
Healthy living is great, and sticking to some rough rules about what you eat and drink can be good for you.
But if these rules are so strict that you simply will not break them, that’s a problem. Do your rules affect your mood?
It’s one thing to stick to diet rules if you feel happy and upbeat, but if the rules are making you anxious, stressed or guilty then it’s time to make a change.
Do people close to you notice your extremity?
Sometimes it’s hard for you take a step back to spot any problems with your own behaviour, but your friends and family can. Pay attention to their concerns and ask for their advice.
Do you categorise foods as good and bad?
It might seem perfectly harmless but by thinking of some foods as ‘bad’, you can end up in a spiral where eating even a small amount will make you feel bad about yourself.
Does food dictate what you do socially?
Lots of people balk at the idea of a trip to the pub when they’re trying to cut calories, but eventually learn to be extra strict while they’re there.
But if you’re skipping events because you fear you’ll be expected to eat food that you don’t feel comfortable with, then that’s a concern.
0 comments: