- Do you skip meals on a regular basis?
- Do you binge and then self-induce vomiting?
- Do you feel out of control when you eat?
- Do you feel powerful and in control when you are able to abstain from eating?
- Do you binge on food when you are experiencing negative feelings? (ie. anger, sadness, etc.)
- Do you feel that you do not deserve to eat?
- Do you know the calorie content in the foods that you eat?
- Do you believe you are fat, even though people tell you otherwise?
- Do you feel that you have to be perfect in everything that you do?
- Do you use laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics as a method of weight control?
- Do you exercise to burn calories, rather than to stay fit?
- Are you secretive about your eating habits?
- Are you secretive about your exercise?
- Do you feel anger towards anyone that questions your eating habits?
- Do you scrutinize yourself in the mirror or avoid looking in the mirror entirely?
- Do you hear negative messages in your head (ie. saying you’re fat, ugly, worthless, etc.)
- Do you workout in spite of illness or injury?
- Do you avoid social events because there will be food present and/or because you are worried about your physical appearance?
- Do you think about food constantly?
- Has your diet become increasingly restrictive?
- Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
- Do you give up social activities or work obligations because of a compulsive need to maintain your workout and/or diet schedule?
- Do you become extremely anxious in the case of missed workouts?
- Do you believe that life will be perfect and you will be happy if you lose weight?
- Do you have an intense fear of gaining weight?
- Do you feel ashamed of your eating behaviors?
- Do you feel that no matter what you do, it will never be good enough?
- Do you think that you may have an eating disorder?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it could be a sign that you do should seek a professional evaluation. If you are unsure, you should talk to someone just in case. Remember, eating disorders can develop gradually and it is better to quash any negative food-related behavior as soon as possible. You may want to consider seeing a therapist or talking with someone at an eating disorders clinic about this matter.
Return To Getting Eating Disorder Help
Updated by Tabitha Farrar and Dr. Lauren Muhlheim – 2014
Written by Colleen Thompson and Michelle Comeau – 1997