If you are asking yourself, “Do I have an eating disorder?” this self-assessment quiz will help you determine if you are at risk:*
Eating disorders are mental illnesses characterized by maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to food, eating and body size, shape and weight. While an eating disorder specialist can provide a comprehensive assessment, the following statements may indicate the presence of an eating disorder.
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I think about food constantly.
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I eat in secret.
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I eat even when I am not hungry.
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I eat very quickly and am not aware how much I have eaten.
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I am very self-conscious about eating in social situations.
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I often try new diets and/or exercise plans.
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I feel guilty about eating.
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I am very concerned about my weight.
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I have used laxatives or diuretics in order to prevent weight gain.
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I have induced vomiting to prevent weight gain.
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I often try to skip meals or avoid eating for the entire day.
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I have lied to others about how much or little I eat.
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Other people have made concerned comments about my eating habits.
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It is difficult for me to concentrate because I am thinking about food.
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I hide food. I am angry when I am interrupted while eating.
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I gain and lose weight frequently.
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I have withdrawn from my friends and avoid social situations.
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I avoid physical and sexual contact.
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I wear baggy clothes to hide my weight loss, or tight clothes to show off my weight loss.
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I do not like myself or the way I look.
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I feel fat even though others think I am thin.
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I feel that I can never eat normally.
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The frequency of my vomiting and/or purging has increased.
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I am unable to stop bingeing and purging even though I want to quit.