Eating Disorder Help

Some teens may be unaware they are at risk of developing an eating disorder. Take this eating disorder quiz and see if you have possible signs or symptoms of an eating disorder. If you think you may have an eating disorder consult a physician for treatment options.

It can be difficult to determine whether or not you have an eating disorder. In some cases, this is because you feel as though you are “on a diet” or working hard to maintain a certain image. However, eating disorders can be damaging to your health. When you have an eating disorder, you run the risk of developing health problems related to your heart, respiratory system, and even your brain. This is because, with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, you are depriving your body of nutrients.

Other eating disorders, related to overeating, may also be a concern. These disorders can result in obesity-related diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Emotional over-eating can be a devastating disorder that can also result in depression and low self-esteem, and problems related to them.

This eating disorder quiz can help you figure out whether you might be in danger of suffering from an eating disorder. Answer the following statements honestly, with yes or no:

1. No matter what I do, I can’t lose the weight I want to.
2. I am not satisfied with how I look, even though my fitness level and weight are “average” for my height and age.
3. People are just being polite when they tell me I look good.
4. I need to go on a diet.
5. The best way to lose weight is to reduce caloric intake.
6. If you can’t lose weight when you want, you are undisciplined.
7. When I am lonely, I turn to food. It provides comfort.
8. Food is my main problem. I need to control the food.
9. How I look, and looking good by being my ideal weight, is very important to me.
10. Depression has been a part of my life at some point during the last three years.
11. I have attempted suicide at some point in the last three years.
12. Large losses have been part of my life in the last two years, including changes to my parents’ jobs or marital status, relationship upheaval, death among my family or friends, loss of a beloved pet, or moving to a new school or city.
13. I have little control over my life.
14. I frequently diet, but the results are unsatisfying.
15. It’s okay to throw up or use laxatives after you eat  but only if you do it every once in a while.
16. I get help with my dieting and controlling food by using safe over the counter diet pills.
17. My family is not supportive when I start a new diet or rigorous exercise program.

If you answered “yes” to more than 7 of these questions, you could be at risk for developing an eating disorder - or you may already have one. It might be wise to consult with a medical professional about your concerns about food and your weight. While this eating disorder quiz can’t replace medical advice from a qualified health care professional, it can give you an idea of the risk factors that you may be facing.

In order to live a healthy lifestyle, it is important to get proper nutrition and have a healthy relationship to food and exercise, and to have a healthy self-image. Use this quiz to help you decide to consult a medical professional to help you improve your overall wellness with healthy techniques that are less likely to result in an eating disorder.