It may be common to have some kind of eating issue these days, but playing with food and weight can have a serious impact on our well-being. In fact, there are many risks associated with disordered eating, and they’re not limited to our physical health alone.
Following are just a few of the known effects of disordered eating and chronic dieting. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but will give you an idea of the many areas affected by our diet and eating habits. Helpful videos on this topic can be found in our video library.
Physical Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Skin pallor
- Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
- Frequent or chronic fatigue
- Stomach cramps
- Weakness
- Constant hunger
- Tooth enamel loss
- Yeast infections
- Candida
- Dysentery (diarrhea)
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Infertility
- Body aches
- Metabolism changes
Mental and Emotional Health
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of ability to feel things emotionally (Alexathymia)
- Lack of ability to concentrate
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Inability to cope
- Increasingly negative self-talk
- Insecurity
- Loss of confidence
Relational Health
- Social withdrawal/isolation
- Paranoid concerns about what others are thinking
- Extreme self-centeredness
- Fear of being seen by others
- Inability to be intimate, vulnerable
- Loss of sexual interest
- Competition with others about food, weight
Spiritual Health
- Fear about what God is thinking
- Spiritual growth stunted/distracted by negative self-talk (Rom. 8:7)
- Lack of peace
- Hopelessness
- Lack of freedom
- Loss of vision for purpose, future
Time For A Change?
Are you or someone you care about tired of feeling sick and tired? Would you like to get on a healthier path? The resources here at FINDINGbalance can help you start moving in that direction.
- Seek community and support.
- Consider taking one of our Lasting Freedom self-study courses (not a replacement for one-on-one care with a professional).
If further care is required, please read our articles on Finding Treatment and Finding a Nutritionist.
If left unchecked, eating “issues” and turn into eating disorders, and can significantly disrupt your life. Freedom is just one “next right step” in front of you. We hope you’ll take it.