How to Recognize Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Unusual eating patterns can be signs of anything from an eating disorder to a vitamin deficiency. Recognizing unhealthy patterns in yourself and others is the first step to getting help and getting healthy.
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Instructions
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Watch for drastic changes in eating patterns in a loved one. Not eating anything at all or eating too much are both signs that something may be wrong with him, either physically or emotionally. Consider taking him to a doctor if these habits continue.
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Recognize that a large appetite can be just as dangerous as a small appetite. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, someone who overeats may have a binge eating disorder or bulimia, two diseases characterized in part by eating too much food.
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Watch out for habits such as picking at one's food, pushing food around on a plate or not eating in front of others. A loved one who is exhibiting these behaviors might not be eating very much and may be at risk for anorexia, an eating disorder. Sufferers of anorexia often restrict what they eat to get down to a low weight.
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Be wary of loved ones eating items that are not food, such as dirt, or foods that should not be eaten alone, like flour. Eating these foods may be a sign of pica, a dangerous eating disorder that most commonly affects children and pregnant women.
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Keep an eye on your loved ones' intakes of water. A constant thirst and subsequent bathroom trips could be a sign of diabetes in children. Extreme hunger and inexplicable weight loss also can indicate a diabetes diagnosis.
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Tips & Warnings
Sometimes unhealthy eating habits can be attributed to a major life event, such as a death in the family, or even a happy occasion like a wedding. If you recognize that these habits have persisted for someone long after the event is over, consider taking her to a doctor.
Tread carefully when notifying another parent about his child's bizarre eating habits. What may appear to be a child with anorexia could be a child with a malfunctioning thyroid. If you feel the need to speak with the child's parent, make only observations, not accusations.
Pregnant women who have suffered or are suffering from unhealthy eating habits should seek a doctor's attention immediately to ensure they are not doing damage to themselves or their babies. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website for more information on pregnancy and poor eating habits (see Resources below).
