Having an Eating Disorder is much more than just being on a diet. An Eating Disorder is an illness that permeates all aspects of your life, and is caused by a variety of emotional factors and influences. It is a reaction to low self-esteem and a result of ineffective coping skills. Between 4% and 20% of young women and men practice unhealthy patterns of dieting, purging, and binge-eating. Eating Disorders commonly co-occur with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Panic Disorders and other anxiety disorders. In addition, people suffering from Eating Disorders may also exhibit other addictive or self-destructive behaviors.
Associated Features
- Dramatic weight loss or gain within a short period of time
- Preoccupation with food and cooking
- Obsession with weight (even if “average” weight or thin)
- Chronic dieting on a variety of popular diet plans
- Obsession with calories and fat in food contents
- Visible food restriction and self-starvation
- Visible bingeing and/or purging
- Use or hiding use of diet pills, laxatives, ipecac syrup, or enemas
- Self-defeating statements after food consumption
- Low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and frequent self-deprecation
- Need for acceptance and approval from others
- Vague or secretive eating patterns and rituals
- Self-blame on weight as a result of failure in social or professional relationships
- Holding the belief that life will be better if weight was decreased
