6 Warning Signs of Problem Eating

We are bombarded with information 24/7 on eating. How can you figure out what to eat? How much to eat? When to eat without a lot of confusion? Couple this with the challenge of figuring out how much to weigh, what is "extra" weight, and how thin is too thin, and you can often wind up with what I call "problem eating."

While the incidence of true eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia is very low, numerous milder symptoms of these disorders are making their way into the lives of many people, often with health-damaging consequences. That's the topic of my Today show segment with my fellow iVillage expert, Leslie Goldman.

Click to watch the segment

We all have friends (and maybe ourselves) who we think are "going overboard" when it comes to healthy eating and weight control. I'd like to share some warning signs that you might find helpful in deciding if you're maintaining a healthy focus on eating and weight, or when a red flag should come up that health-promoting behaviors cross the line into health-damaging ones that require professional mental health care.

6 Warning Signs of Problem Eating:

1. Pre-occupation with food


2. Self-imposed rules on food and eating


3. Excessive meal planning


4. Rigidity of food choice


5. Eliminating whole food groups in the name of health


6. Extreme guilt when straying from the "diet plan"

When eating behaviors become intense and excessive—known as obsessive behaviors—it's not about the food. The psychological underpinnings of these behaviors (like control issues, depressive symptoms and anxiety) have to be addressed for long-term success in changing food intake behavior. Often "food issues" are really unresolved "mind issues." It's a win-win when they're tackled together!

Has problem eating affected you or a friend? How did you manage this? Leave a comment.