Diet Dangers

Eating disorders

For almost all of us, eating 3 meals and 1-2 occasional snacks a day has always been normal. However, some people go through cycles of semi-starvation, feasting, famine, and binge eating to try to lose weight. For most of us, that’s unnecessary and even counterproductive to losing weight. There are many symptoms of the 3 most serious eating disorders. If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, take heed: these poor eating habits will hinder your long-term fat loss and put you at risk for worse health problems.

1. Anorexia is characterized by:

A. Poor body image and self-esteem;

b. Extreme fear of weight gain and obesity;

against Excessive and rapid weight loss.

2. Bulimia is characterized by:

A. Repeated episodes of rapid and uncontrolled ingestion of large amounts of food in a short period of time;

b. These episodes are often followed by the use of self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics to prevent weight gain.

3. Binge eating is a minor form of bulimia. It occurs when overeating continues for a short time, which may or may not be followed by vomiting or the use of laxatives or diuretics. It becomes a serious medical problem when it is performed two or more times a week for a period of six months.

ACTION STEP

Review the definitions of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating and take an honest look at yourself if any of them apply to you. This is important because, in the long run, you won’t achieve or maintain your weight loss goals no matter what you do if their relationship to dietary needs becomes a medical issue. Talk to your doctor if necessary. This will help prevent you from losing your health while trying to lose weight. There is nothing worse than being unhealthy, as our goal here is to lose weight and become healthier, and these conditions are unhealthy.