Common Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms include:

• Preoccupation with weight, food, and body shape: An obsessive focus on these areas can signal an underlying issue.

• Restriction of food intake or extended periods of fasting: Severely limiting food consumption or skipping meals can be harmful to your health and mood.

• Episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors: This may include purging, excessive exercise, or other measures to counteract the binge.

• Episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors: Regularly consuming large quantities of food in one sitting without attempts to offset the intake, often accompanied by feelings of shame and being out of control.

• Distorted body image or perception of weight: A skewed view of one's body size or shape can contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors and low self-esteem.

• Emotional distress related to eating habits: Feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame about eating can indicate a deeper problem that may go beyond food and weight.

Any of these symptoms sound familiar? Many people delay seeking help because they believe they are not “sick enough” due to not being severely underweight or not yet experiencing overt physical health problems. To these individuals, I ask: How are your current relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners? Does your life, outside of your body, feel fulfilling and worthwhile? Are you feeling crushed by the weight of your expectations to be so-called perfect?

Does the number on the scale truly dictate the validity of your pain?

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If you’re struggling to answer these questions—or better yet, if you know exactly what your answers are—book a free 15-minute consultation and discover how my counseling services can support your journey to recovery.