Signs you may be developing an eating disorder

Here is what the Harvard Medical School has to say about their diagnostic criteria for Eating Disorder- body builder type.  That’s right!  There is a name for it.

1. Refusal to maintain body fat at a healthy level (defined in women as the level necessary for normal menstrual cycles to take place) accompanied by a desire to maximize muscle mass.
2. Intense fear of gaining fat or losing muscle, even though body fat is below normal, as defined above, and degree of muscularity is far above average.
3. Strict adherence to a rigid diet with at least 2 of the following features:
   (a) At least 5 meals per day, consumed on a regular schedule, for example every 3 hours.
   (b) Meals all consist of high-calorie, high-protein, low-fat foods or food supplements.
   (c) A significant amount of time and money is spent acquiring, preparing and eating these specialized meals.
4. Disturbance in the way in which one’s body composition is experienced or undue influence of body appearance on self-evaluation.
5. Social and occupational opportunities are frequently given up because they interfere with the composition or timing of meals.

I have also listed some of the specific warning signs that you may have developed or be developing an eating disorder below.

1. Constant thought or preoccupation with how you look or with how to change your body.  This can also include thoughts about food and training.
2. Thoughts about being fat or too small despite comments to the contrary
3. Not wanting to be seen with less clothing unless you are in contest shape or close to it.
4. Constant calorie counting and food monitoring that is inflexible and obsessive.
5. Unable to gain healthy off season weight with out fear, anxiety and or depression
6. Inability to take time off from the gym despite fatigue, illness or injury
7. Family and friends tell you that you are obsessed or have said that you have a problem.
8. Excessive use of thermogenics, diuretics, or steroids to obtain or maintain a desired look
9. A fear or guilt around consuming certain foods.
10. Intense food restriction that results in binge eating.
11. Feelings of guilt and lowered mood when you mess up on your meal plan or if you miss a workout.
12. Lack of interest in other activities or social activities because of eating or training.
13. Turning down career opportunities or other productive opportunities because it will interfere with your training, shows etc.
14. Denial that you may have an issue despite others being concerned.

The bottom line here is that these are signs that something may be very wrong.  We know that competing requires structure, disciplined eating, hard training and an ability to evaluate your body and your progress.  The problem lies in the extreme end where these other thoughts and behaviors start to manifest and take control.  If you are struggling and are not happy or if it has cost you relationships or opportunities then I ask that you take a good hard look at the real motives driving your behavior.

Be Fit and Healthy!