What Is Disordered Eating?
Dieting has become normalized and common in our society. People may not think there is anything wrong with dieting, but these behaviors can contribute to disordered eating. Although someone with disordered eating may not meet the criteria for a full-threshold eating disorder diagnosis, it can become a severe problem, contribute to negative thoughts someone has about their body and food, and require treatment.
by: Imogen Bylinsky
Although the two terms share the same words, there are significant differences between “disordered eating” and “eating disorders.” According to a study completed in 2008, 3 out of 4 American women reported symptoms of disordered eating, a number which has unfortunately risen since 2008. Disordered eating is more unknown among the public, possibly because the American Psychiatric Association has not officially recognized it as a type of eating disorder. Nevertheless, it is important to understand and be aware of the signs and symptoms of disordered eating and know that possible support systems and treatment options are available.
The symptoms of disordered eating are never exhaustive. They may appear differently for some individuals, but are continuously expanding, depending on the new patient cases that develop. Similarly, its symptoms are not mutually exclusive to each other either. Indeed, disordered eating can occur with the onset of other mental health disorders or concerns as well.
Below are some key signs and symptoms about disordered eating behaviors to look for in people:
Frequent Dieting
Someone with disordered eating may try to go back and forth on different diets, also known as yo-yo dieting. Yo-yo diets typically result in short-term weight loss, but the weight is not usually kept off when pausing or stopping the diet. Frequent dieting may also result in people skipping meals and experiencing weight fluctuations, often due to extreme dieting behaviors. Similarly, attempting multiple kinds of diets can increase or worsen someone’s disordered eating patterns.
Experiencing Anxiety and Other Negative Emotions Around Certain Foods
Many people who do not have a healthy relationship with food or their body develop anxiety, fears, or concerns when eating certain foods. For example, they begin to label foods as “good” or “bad.” They also may worry about the caloric information in foods or the ingredients used. This can lead to people feeling shameful before, during, or after eating. Also, they are hard on themselves and feel guilty for giving in to cravings or engaging in a binge.
Using Methods To “Make Up” For Food Consumed
In addition to dieting, some people who exhibit disordered eating behaviors may try to compensate or “make up” for food they feel guilty about eating. Although there are additional health consequences associated with these behaviors, many people turn to over-exercising, not eating, consuming diuretics, or making themselves throw up.
Spending A Lot Of Time Thinking About Food, Weight, or Body Image
Some who struggle with disordered eating may feel it is impossible to stop intrusive thoughts from occurring or “turn them off.” Negative thoughts can impact someone’s life, but they may also begin to interfere and take precedence over other activities and daily responsibilities. Putting a lot of time and energy into thinking about food will also likely lead to compulsive eating habits. For example, people may begin to feel a loss of control around food, engage in binges or periods where they consume more food than usual in one sitting, or feel like they cannot stop eating. Many people believe they are addicted to food. While the feeling of being addicted to food is very real and valid, food in itself is not addictive. The obsession and feeling of being addicted typically are a result of restricting food or possessing the all or nothing mentality.
How To Overcome Disordered Eating
There are different treatment options and support services available for someone experiencing disordered eating patterns or behaviors. Talking with or confiding in a trusted person such as a parent, sibling, friend, or teacher can be a helpful starting point. It may also be beneficial for people to meet with a therapist and dietitian who can help individuals understand and work through their relationship with food, their body, and self-esteem. A dietitian can also teach clients to appreciate all foods and to listen to their body. There are also online resources and help-lines which can be reached at any time of day to speak with someone in immediate need of help.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, and various other groups and resources to assist those seeking help for food concerns.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our programs and services. Book a free consultation call below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE blog intern, Imogen Bylinsky.
Imogen is a high school student from New York City with a passion for writing and speaking about mental health issues, specifically eating disorders. Growing up, she became increasingly aware of the stigma and hurtful stereotypes associated with eating disorders. She is interested in majoring in Psychology after taking an “abnormal child psychology” course at Brown University. Along with BALANCE, she volunteers with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Project HEAL, an eating disorder organization. She specifically wants to address how eating disorders are portrayed in the media, pop culture, various races/ethnic groups, and gender. She is excited to be writing for the BALANCE blog!