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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Do I have an Eating Disorder?

    Related Topics
    Eating Disorders Mental Health Nutrition
    I read online of an eating disorder called SED (Selective Eating Disorder)
    I'm a very, very, very fussy eater. I only eat roast and baked potato.
    No other veggies. A few meats, but not many. Some fruit but not much.
    I also only eat one brand of sausages, one brand of spaghetti.
    I'm 20 years old and have been like this since I was 4-5.
    I only eat a few proper meals. (Pasta bake and tacos)
    I think I have the disorder. Help me please :(
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    Ramona Singh

    Counsellor, Psychotherapist

    Life often presents us with challenging situations.Despite our best efforts, we don’t always find ways of resolving them.We might ask family or friends for advice. … View Profile

    It sounds as if you might have this disorder, but for an accurate diagnosis it would be best to see your doctor who might refer you to a psychiatrist, who could then recommend and/or provide further treatment.

    You don't say explicitly whether or not you want to change your eating behaviour.  Does it affect your health or the time you spend with other people - family or friends - when food is shared?  If the answer to these questions is yes, I would definitely recommend you seek treatment.

    If you live in Sydney, Australia, EATFED is an organisation which specialises in the treatment of eating disorders.  Their approach is different to the standard approach used to treat eating disorders and they have a high success rate.  I think it would be useful for you to contact them.

    I hope you will be able to find a treatment that works for you. 

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  • Arlene Normand

    Dietitian

    Arlene is a registered practising dietitian, with a private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and has built a strong business over the last … View Profile

    Being a fussy eater does not mean you have an Eating Disorder. If your weight is within the healthy weight range and you are physically and emotionally healthy you probably do not have an eating disorder. You have just balanced your food intake with a limited range of foods which satisfy your nutrient requirements. If you have eaten in this manner since you are 4 years old, I would regard you as a ‘fussy eater’. If food rules your life, then you may have an eating disorder. Whether anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating… or simply a continual wrestle with your weight, such problems affect millions of people each day. What's more, the situation is getting worse!
     
    Did you read up on Selective Eating Disorder because you are concerned about your eating pattern, or did you just happen to come across it and identify with it? The world is obsessed with food, eating, obesity, anorexia – so any deviation from the ‘normal’ is over analysed.
     
    I suggest you go and see your doctor and discuss this problem with him – if you see it as a predicament that is affecting the way you lead your life. If you are content eating as you have been for so many years and your health is good – stop worrying about it and try not to focus on food or what others might comment about your eating patterns. A full physical by your doctor and blood tests will help you feel comfortable about your health, which I highly recommend.

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