Thinks She Has A Problem and Won’t Tell Anyone

Situation Summary

A college freshman calls “Ask an Expert,” because she wants to know whether she should be concerned about her eating behavior. While some days seem fine, on other days is preoccupied with her weight. She wonders if she has an eating disorder and whether professional help is needed.

Questions in Need of Answers

At what point does disordered eating become an eating disorder?

Most people my age diet, and think a lot about the foods they eat, what is normal?

Why might it be that some days I feel fine and other days all I do is think about what I ate, or didn’t eat all day?

I’m confused about the idea of getting help from a professional. Who is a professional, and what kind of training makes them good at treating eating disorders?