How to detect early signs of an eating disorder?

If you start experiencing symptoms such as losing control over the amount of food you eat, feeling the urge to vomit after meals, or feeling anxious about your weight, these could be warning signs of an eating disorder. These 5 screening questions will help you to quickly flag the need for seeking professional help.

1. Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
2. Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
3. Have you recently lost more than one stone (6.35 kg) in a three-month period?
4. Do you believe yourself to be fat when others say you are too thin?
5. Would you say food dominates your life?

If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, it is advisable to seek further assessment, as you may be experiencing or developing an eating disorder.It is important to note that, contrary to common misconceptions, eating disorders can be treated, and early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Seeking professional help is a crucial step towards recovery.

Nacharin Phiphopthatsanee, MD
MRCPsych