Eating disorder test

This self-test is not a diagnosis, but it can help you reflect on your relationship with food and your body. If you recognise yourself in several of the statements, you may want to seek professional help for further investigation and support.

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What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect both body and mind. They are characterised by an unhealthy relationship with food, body and weight, and can range from extreme dieting and binge eating to compulsive exercise and self-starvation.

The most common forms of eating disorders include:

• Anorexia nervosa – An intense fear of weight gain, self-starvation and a distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa – Episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, laxatives or excessive exercise.
• Binge eating disorder (BED) – Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often with feelings of shame and loss of control.
• Orthorexia – A fixation on eating only ‘healthy’ foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and social isolation.

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and genders. They often affect self-esteem and can have serious physical consequences, such as nutritional deficiencies, heart problems and gastrointestinal disorders. Identifying the warning signs early is important to get the right support and treatment.

What should I do if I have symptoms of an eating disorder?

There are various therapies available for the treatment of eating disorders. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective, often in combination with various medical treatments and the help of specialised dieticians. Therefore, it is important that each individual receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. Help can be sought at a specialised eating disorder clinic.