How do I know if I have an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder, are treatable disorders that affect people of all genders, ages, sexes, races and ethnicities. Symptoms of these disorders may include restricting food intake, binge eating with or without compensatory behavior, negative body image, excessive exercise and placing too much emphasis on weight and shape. However, those with eating disorders are not just struggling with the food behaviors; they often experience intense anxiety and depression as well. Their relationships may be negatively affected by their disorder and they may have isolated themselves from those who care the most. Eating disorders affect all areas of the person’s life, not just their body and food.

It is important to remember that while a person’s symptoms may not meet criteria for a full eating disorder diagnosis, sub-clinical levels of eating disorders can cause significant damage to a person’s body, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Disordered eating, yo-yo dieting, over-exercising, etc., can all necessitate interventions such as therapy, working with a dietitian, etc. My goal is to help everyone – from those with severe eating disorders to those who didn’t even realize their food/exercise behaviors or thoughts were disordered – to have a happy, balanced, and healthy relationship with food, weight, and themselves. By having a consultation session with me, we can collaboratively determine whether you have an eating disorder or disordered eating, and then come up with a treatment plan together to help you meet your recovery goals.