Could You Have A Subclinical Eating Disorder?

I came across a rarely used phrase yesterday, an I thought it would be helpful to look at. Subclinical eating disorders are far more common than traditional eating disorders, and many people who have one do not even realize it.
“Subclinical” eating disorders mean they do not have all the criteria to be diagnosed as an eating disorder, but that they have certain eating disordered attitudes and behaviors. Some disordered attitudes and behaviors are: body image disturbance (seeing yourself as overweight when you are not overweight); preoccupation with food, calories, and weight; restricting food intake. Athletes in particular are prone to subclinical eating disorders.
The behaviors found in women and men include these:
* Restricted caloric intake in order to lose weight and follow a very repetitive diet, with little or no variety in the types and amounts of foods consumed.
* Followed strict dietary rules and experience guilt and anger if they break one of them.
* Limited their intake of “bad foods,” and almost always choose low- or non-fat foods
Here’s what’s most important to know – these types of disordered eating styles can absolutely progress to the more dangerous types and by themselves, can cause long-term health consequences. Counseling is warranted if you or someone you know exhibits these behaviors.