Binge eating isn’t simply overeating at a holiday meal. For sufferers, a new binge happens typically at least once a week, and sufferers are typically of normal weight to obese.
The Red Flags
While each disease has its own characteristic markers, there are some common red flags that you should look for if you suspect that you or a loved one suffers from an eating disorder, including:
● Skipping meals, being unavailable at meal times or making excuses not to eat
● Adopting an overly restrictive vegetarian diet
● Obsessive focus on healthy eating
● Avoiding joining in on family meals and making separate, low-calorie meals
● Withdrawing from social activities
● Regular worry and complaining about being overweight or obsessive talk about losing weight
● Preoccupation with vanity, analyzing oneself in the mirror regularly
● Repeatedly going through periods of overeating or eating large amounts of sweets or fatty foods
● Use of diet supplements, laxatives and other weight-loss products
● Excessive exercise