Courtney Rhea-Ribeiro, LMFT
KY Lic. # 276634, CA Lic. # 93428, TX Lic. # 205042, OH Lic. # F.2300329
There are different signs and symptoms of an eating disorder. Symptoms may vary in severity as well as combination. What's most important is to recognize that even when "health" is the goal, if you are putting in work to manipulate your body shape and size in a way that may be damaging, or struggling with your relationship with food, it's time to reach out for help and guidance. It's also important to note, not all eating disorders are caused or perpetuated by body image issues. There is a lot of nuance here. Keep reading for a few of the more common symptoms.
Here is a helpful article: "The Science Behind the Academy for Eating Disorders 'Nine Truths About Eating Disorders'".
1
Restriction
If you are reducing your calorie intake to a specific number with the intention of losing weight (with the exception of direction from a medical doctor or registered dietician), cutting out certain food groups, and/or only eating certain foods with little variety.
2
Bingeing
When you are eating large amounts of food within a short period of time, eating beyond your fullness cue, eating in secret, eating faster than normal, feeling very guilty or ashamed after eating, have a sense of lack of control over eating related to ability to stop or control the quantity of food being consumed.
3
Purging
Self-induced vomiting; abuse/misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications.
4
Body image issues
If you are seeing your body in a distorted way, hyper-focusing on certain parts of your body, manipulating your body to meet a desired aesthetic, have an intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat.
Helpful books:
Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison
Health at Every Size by Lindo Bacon
Fat Talk by Virginia Sole-Smith
The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Life Without ED by Jennifer Schaffer
If you are struggling with any of the above, a combination, or even things that are not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out. You are not alone, and I'm here to help! No shame. No judgement.