How many times have we looked in the mirror and felt conscious under our own gaze? Most often than not, we always perceive ourselves too fat even though in the eyes of others, we’re just the right size. It’s weird how we can’t seem to see ourselves as the “right fit” but it’s no wonder why we have twisted thoughts regarding our aesthetics. With all the media’s effort on planting in our heads what ought to be, the way we define reality have gone haywire. Starting from the thought that “white is beautiful” to the continued bombarding that in order to be accepted, one should be a size two. As there are those who are gifted with a strong will and faith towards themselves, there are also those unfortunate ones whose minds succumb to the negativity.

Through celebrity revelations, eating disorders has garnered “fame” as their stories of battling against it are headlining the evening news. So much so, having an eating disorder is not a laughing matter when you’re the one suffering from it. It’s definitely hard and it contributes to not just the detriment of one’s physical aspect but mental as well. People with negative eating habits can either be in denial or unconscious with their current state. In connection with the topic, here are two iOS applications which can help you assess your condition just in case you find yourself a bit on the edge when it comes to eating.

An eating disorder doesn’t usually manifest easily on a person. It may take months or years for it to be obvious enough to alarm everyone close to the victim. With all the outside factors involved with a person’s mental state, some eating disorders may only be temporary depending on an individual’s current situation. As I know very well that I’m not suffering from any eating disorder, there are times when I just can seem to take in the thought of chewing on food no matter how delicious it appears to be. Long story short, being too picky can sometimes be relative to one’s mood. Nonetheless, if handled incorrectly, the not-eating-phase or the I-eat-too-much-phase can turn into something dark and scary.

Since giving a visit to the hospital may cost a lot, why not assess yourself or even your friends first before-hand? Crying wolf is not something you’d like to do in serious matters like this so doing a bit of research and answering a couple of assessments won’t hurt. Through the following applications focusing on diet issues, you can get the information you need to know the next best step in case you or someone close shows symptoms of having an eating disorder.

This application was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Wilson Family Practice Residency, Southern Tier Eating Disorders Network, and the Computer Science Department at Binghamton University in New York. Headed by licensed physicians and dietitians, users can give their entire trust to the application because it is based on proven techniques and practices to determine various dietary malaise.

Eating Disorders offers its users a handy yes-no questionnaires which have been prepared years ago by the medical associations and have been recognized ever since as the foundation of initial findings concerning a patient’s eating habits. One can never be too sure of his health unless a professional has said so, with that in mind, the developers of the Eating Disorders iOS application has thought of giving everyone a mobile access to the SCOFF questionnaire.

Eating Disorders App and the SCOFF Test

SCOFF stands for Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, and Foods. It is a yes or no questionnaire regarding an individual’s general intake of food. From weight gain to the emotions felt during meals, SCOFF has it. All medical examinations start from questioning what’s wrong so don’t think that the SCOFF has one too many personal ones because you’ll benefit from it if you answer it truthfully. Through the Eating Disorders application, people outside the medical profession can now have their own SCOFF tests for different eating malaise at the tip of their fingers. With each disorder comes a couple of tips on how to beat the illness and facts regarding the matter. You can also opt to browse through the frequently asked questions like what should you do to a patient weighing 25% lesser than normal and such.

Other Features

• Comprehensive assessment
• Signs and symptoms
• Lab assessments
• Inpatient vs outpatient
• Eating disorder definitions

Note

Although on the app’s description it says that it’s for the use of those studying or practicing psychology and the like, I still think that people outside the medical circle can still benefit and understand Eating Disorder’s contents. It doesn’t take a nurse or a doctor to interpret what the app has to say.

Find the app helpful? . Who knows, you or someone very close to your heart might need it in the future.

Since the previous app makes use of medical jargon, let me give you a simpler one which is presented in the lay man’s term. By now, I assume that you are already aware of the different questionnaires available to determine if a person indeed has a dietary inconsistency. The Eating Disorders Assessments created by Darren Gates is basically the conjugation of frequently asked questions regarding anorexia, bulimia, obesity, and other weight issues prominent in our society.

Eating Disorder Assessments is based on medical and nursing texts but it has been translated in terms that of which we use conversely. Since the previous application left no room for doubt because it already assumes that you already have a hint on what kind of disorder one has, Eating Disorder Assessments on the other hand, initially asks general questions and works on the more specific ones so the user can really assess himself.

Sample Questions

• How can I tell if my child, or someone I know, might have anorexia?
• How can I tell if I or my child is a binge eater?
• Do I have a healthy view of my body?

Note

With all the questions answerable by yes or no, it’s much better to make somebody else assess you for it’s easier to lie to oneself, right? So much so, for an application with a $0.99 price tag, it’s a keeper and definitely a very useful one. It’s user interface is very simple and clean, as you can see on the picture. With its no non-sense design, a single tap can get you started with your surveying.

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Worried Harrie

It’s not an issue of taking into mind that in some other inopportune countries, children have nothing on their plates. Those who are enveloped in negative pressure can’t be blamed for their mental incoherence because most often than not, they’re unaware that they’re frailty is taking its toll on their health. It’s great to have these kinds of apps available for the use of many but at the same time, it’s saddening to think that eating disorders are spreading like flu.