A history of dieting and food restriction is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. Therefore, some of you following this blog may benefit from learning more about eating disorders.
There can be a fine line between pain in your relationship with food and symptoms severe enough to be classified as a disorder. Even though chronic dieting may be considered the socially acceptable eating disorder, as the title of this article alludes, it doesn’t usually rise to the level of “eating disorder” unless other eating behaviors of concern are present. Behaviors that are of concern include frequent binging, severe food restriction, and compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, using laxatives, or excess exercise in an attempt to burn off calories.
This past week has been National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the U.S. and several other countries. If you suspect that your struggles with food and your appetite might meet the criteria, it’s important to seek professional help. The website of NEDA has resources including a quiz and a chat line if you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about. I’ve included a link to it below.
Chronic Dieting: The Socially Acceptable Eating Disorder | Ravishly | Media Company
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week | National Eating Disorders Association
