Do I Have an Eating Disorder? Things to Consider

Updated on May 27, 2021

There are many types of eating disorders, even ones that you may not have heard of. If you are concerned that you may have one and are not aware of it, keep reading this article for further information, as well as advice on what you should do. 

Understanding Eating Disorders

You might think that eating disorders only occur in a specific type of person. This is not the case. Pretty much anyone can be affected by an eating disorder and there are many different eating disorders that a person can experience, which include anorexia, bulimia, or even exercising too much. While you may be able to overcome an eating disorder by yourself, it is likely more beneficial to get help with a possible eating disorder. There are treatment programs available when you feel like you may need to take advantage of it. Here’s how you can tell. 

  • You have rituals related to food.
  • You sometimes eat things that are not food.
  • You obsess about what you eat and how much you’re eating.
  • You skip meals more often than not.
  • You are losing weight quickly.
  • You throw up if you eat too much or any time you eat.
  • You are experiencing health problems because you are not eating a proper diet.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should consider working with a therapist for more support. You can also refer to this test, which is designed to assist you in determining if you have an eating disorder. Moreover, it can help you find a therapist that you would like to work with, so you are able to address your eating disorder and the possible causes for it. 

There have been studies completed that indicate that getting therapy for eating disorders can be beneficial, especially in women. This is good news if you are a woman that experiences an eating disorder and would like to change your behavior. 

Get Checked Out

In addition to working with a therapist, you should probably visit with your doctor once you are trying to overcome an eating disorder. There are many physical symptoms that you can be affected by when you are experiencing one, and some of these symptoms can lead to serious health problems that need to be addressed. For example, issues with menstruation, headaches, developing conditions like diabetes, and suppression of your immune system are all possible if you have an eating disorder. Some of these conditions may need to be treated even after you are working through an eating disorder. Moreover, you will be able to relax knowing that your body is healthy if you have been affected by these physical elements, once you have them checked out and the doctor gives you a clean bill of health. 

Give Yourself Time

You might have had an eating disorder for many years and didn’t notice it, so you need to take it easy with yourself as you are getting treatment for it. Your habits will take time to change, and it might take a while to think differently about food. Don’t be hard on yourself when you make a mistake, because when you keep working on it, you can see your health improve. It is worth it to hang in there and get through it. Be sure to work with a therapist when you need to and do your best to get support from others as well. Having loved ones support you may be just the push you need to stay on the right track. 

Overview

If you are suspicious that you may have an eating disorder, it is a good idea to get checked out to see if you do. There are multiple types of eating disorders and it is hard to determine if you have one simply by checking out symptoms. However, if you experience symptoms of an eating disorder, you should get the help you need, so you can overcome it.

+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.