TRIGGER WARNING: The content of this post may be triggering for some individuals, as it talks about specific medical procedures and risks.
A common misconception with disordered eating/eating disorders is that one can tell by looking at an individual how serious their illness is. This is simply not true, and regardless of weight or shape, an individual who is struggle with disordered eating may experience some or all of these side effects to varying degrees.
Having a doctor perform eating disorder specific tests helps to ensure they are looking at the appropriate markers, and, even if all the tests come back within “normal” range, it is a very helpful tool as it can serve as a benchmark for your internal health.
If you struggle, ask your doctor to perform these specific tests that will give the most accurate picture of your internal health, through the lens of disordered eating. These tests are NOT routinely performed, unless the doctor knows about the history of eating disorder.
Please note: We have the utmost respect for both medical professionals and the medical field. They play a vital role in prevention, detection, and treatment of eating disorders. The views expressed in the following article are meant to simply highlight some of the challenges that could be encountered when speaking with your family doctor.