Eating disorder - Are you at risk?

A person could end up with an eating disorder due to various reasons - social, psychological, professional, or biological. The temporary solace that a person finds by involving in the eating disorder forces them to continue doing it, thereby leading to a compulsive issue. Look out for a person who has altered eating habits. Watch and monitor for a while before coming to a conclusion and offering suggestions.

A person involved in healthy eating understands that fat is an essential requirement and does not totally avoid fat. A person with an eating disorder, on the other hand, believes that fat leads to further weight accumulation and therefore avoids fat altogether. This is especially true of adolescent girls who are obsessed with pencil-like, super thin figures. Remember that being thin and being healthy are not the same.

Eating disorder is also associated with binge eating. There is a strong correlation between food and emotional well-being. The junk foods (including sweets, chocolates, and ice creams) have a high sugar quotient and also makes one feel good and happy. Therefore, the person indulges in these foods often to feel happy and good. The nutritional value is really low and therefore weight gain and poor health are subsequent problems. Eating more or less than what is ideal and what is routine for a person should raise a doubt.

Eating disorder needs to be corrected. Whether it is binge eating or anorexia or bulimia, the side-effects to health are quite strong. Therefore, they need to be corrected before they become a 'way of life'. The problem will only get worse with time and is best treated in the early stages. A food diary is a good way to watch what a person eats, especially if suspected of eating disorder.