Things You Can Be Obsessed With When It Comes To Diet

Eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes, but the thing most all have in common is obsessive behavior.

Behavioral health experts suggest that obsessive behavior is rooted in control issues, which are often a problem for people that suffer from conditions like bulimia or anorexia.

Is one obsession less severe than another? Does an obsession mean you have an eating disorder? If you’re worried you might have a problem, consider the following list of common obsessions that show up with eating disorders and dangerous dieting:

1. Calories

Counting calories may seem like a normal behavior, but taken to the extreme it can indicate a larger issue. In the same vein, sever caloric restriction or burning calories through excessive exercise can be an obsession.

2. Fat

Many people with disordered eating habits mistakenly believe that eating fat will make them fat. While too much of any type of food will cause weight gain, some amount of healthy fat is good for your body and can actually assist with keeping you at a healthy weight.

3. The scale

Obsessing over a number on the scale can also be detrimental to your mental health. Disordered eating habits can translate into a need for the “perfect” number.

4. Size

Bodies naturally change size and shape over time, but obsessing over a particular dress or pants size can also be indicative of a problem. More importantly, the size you think you should be might not be a realistic size given your height, weight and proportions.

5. Portions

Some people with disordered eating habits also become obsessed with portion sizes, or eating tiny bites of food. Similarly, the obsession can manifest as a need to cut up food into a particular size or consume it in a particular way.

6. Shape

Unfortunately, pro-anorexia sites and celebrity culture have glorified certain body characteristics, like a protruding rib cage or the thigh gap. Some people might become obsessed with achieving these characteristics, even if their bodies aren’t built in such a way to have those features.

An obsession should not be confused with a healthy weight loss goal – but the lines can easily be blurred when you have an eating disorder. If any of these areas take prominent space and attention in your daily thoughts or behaviors, it might be time to seek professional help.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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