Am I At Risk Of Having An Eating Disorder?

Are you a woman in your teens or early 20s?

Do you have a history of dieting?

Do you have an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist?

Are you dissatisfied with your body image (you dislike your appearance)?

Have you ever been criticized for your eating habits, body shape or weight (teased or bullied)?

Do you have an obsession with losing or gaining weight quickly?

Do you have a desire to eat alone or secretly?

Do you feel guilt or shame about your eating habits?

Have you always followed the rules and felt that there was one "right way" to do things?

Do you have an impulsive behavior?

Do you think that you have a low self-esteem?

Do you have a personal history of an anxiety disorder (including generalized anxiety, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), or depression?

Are you overly concerned with being slim, particularly if you also feel pressure from society or your job (e.g. ballet dancers, jockeys, models or athletes)?

Do you have a family member with an eating disorder (parent or sibling)?

Do you or a member of your family have a history of alcohol or drug addiction?

Do you have diagnosed type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes?

Have you recently gone through difficult life situations, such as a change of job, a breakup or the death of a loved one?

Have you ever been sexually abused?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of eating disorder (ED). An eating disorder is a serious health problem that involves eating too little or too much food, which negatively affects your overall health. People with eating disorder usually feel guilt and shame about their eating habits. The exact cause of ED is unknown, but a combination of genetic, physical, social and psychological factors play an important role in the development of this condition. The most common types of ED are anorexia, binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Maintaining a healthy weight and a rational approach to dieting and exercise is the right way to go.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of eating disorder (ED). Eating disorder is a mental problem that refers to seriously disturbed eating habits that negatively affect people’s physical and mental health. Eating disorder is more common in women than men and among young people during adolescence. However, ED can affect people at any age. People with eating disorders are obsessed with their body image and weight. ED can lead to serious problems with your heart, kidneys, and bones. For any concerns, talk to your doctor, psychiatrist, dietician or nutritional adviser. If detected early, the eating disorder can be successfully treated.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of eating disorder (ED). Eating disorder is a mental disorder associated with severely disturbed eating habits that can lead to a long-term damage to your health. At first it may seem like you are eating a little more or less than usual, but this dangerous condition can take over your life. ED usually coexists with some other psychological and medical problems such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Your doctor can help you to understand some of your feelings and behaviors, and develop a balanced and healthy eating plan. Also, psychotherapy can help you adopt healthy lifestyle habits.