We live in a society obsessed with health and wellbeing: we have grocery stores specializing in “health foods”; 24-hour gyms on every corner; a whole new category of holidays known as ‘Wellness Tourism’; and new diets, supplements, workout plans and weight loss cures everywhere you turn. So, when does it turn from a health goal to an unhealthy obsession?
Most dieting begins with good intentions – whether it be to feel better, reduce health risks or to look good in that particularly unflattering bridesmaids dress at your best friend’s wedding! But what often starts out as some ‘harmless’ dieting, can quickly start to interfere with everyday life. Over time, food intake continues to decrease, and more and more foods get moved into the “I don’t eat that” category. Going out with friends starts to become more difficult, as menu’s no longer have options that you can eat. Study or work gets more challenging, as you struggle to concentrate. And “tired but ok” becomes your automatic response to “how are you?”, as your body systems and organs become depleted and fatigued. What started out as a way of being healthy, has become the very thing that is causing harm. So when to seek help?
If you think you might have disordered eating, seek help as soon as possible. If left untreated, disordered eating can result in serious medical problems, and can even be life-threatening. How to tell if you have disordered eating? Below are some of the warning signs of disordered eating:
· Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat and dieting
· Refusal to eat certain foods, particularly entire food groups (e.g. no carbohydrates)
· Being uncomfortable eating around others
· Extreme concern with body size and shape
· Frequent dieting
· Withdrawing from friends and social activities
· Menstrual irregularities
· Difficulties concentrating
· Gastrointestinal upset (cramps, diarrhoea, constipation etc.)
· Feeling cold all the time
· Fainting/dizziness upon standing
· Fine hair on body (lanugo)
If you are experiencing any of these, or if you are unsure if you need help, contact your GP or book a free introductory call today.
