What is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating is a term used to describe eating behaviors that signify the potential need for an Eating Disorder diagnosis. Note that disordered eating is not a condition in itself but a pattern of behavior that could develop into an Eating Disorder if unresolved.

There is a range of clinically diagnosable eating disorders, such as:

• Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

• Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

• Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

These eating disorders (EDs) are diagnosed with criteria that are specific and narrow. The majority of people who experience disordered eating do not meet the criteria for an eating disorder.

Due to the narrow criteria for an ED diagnosis, those who present with the symptoms of disordered eating but do not have AN, BN, or BED may be diagnosed with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders, or OSFED.

To be diagnosed with OSFED, there are also certain criteria to be met which are also narrow when compared with the possible symptoms of disordered eating.

Still, concerns and atypical behavior around eating habits deserve attention even when there is no official diagnosis to be made. Disordered eating habits can become eating disorders or may lead to other physical and psychological health issues if not checked in their early stages.

Symptoms of Disordered Eating

The following are some of the most common symptoms of disordered eating:

• Anxiety around food types

• Meal skipping

• Frequent dieting

• Unusual weight fluctuation

• Strict rituals and routines around eating

• Guilt and shame regarding food and eating

• Obsession with food (calories, quality)

• Preoccupation with weight and body image

• Compulsive eating habits

• Restricted eating/fasting or purging to counter unhealthy food intake

Some of the above symptoms are not always problematic. It is perfectly normal to adhere to a diet plan or exercise routine, to watch your calorie intake, or not finish a meal if you don’t feel hungry enough to eat it. However, when these symptoms begin to impact one’s quality of life they become a problem and indicate the need for positive change and potentially a professional intervention.

Dangers of Disordered Eating

Disordered eating, though not as severe as a clinically diagnosed eating disorder, still has a negative impact on our mental health. Many people who present disordered eating patterns are not always fully aware of the harmful effects of their behavior on their health. Some of the consequences of disordered eating, especially when there is lack of education around the consequences, include:

• Higher risk of obesity

• Higher risk of eating disorders

• Bone density loss

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Electrolyte and fluid imbalance

• Low heart rate

• Low blood pressure

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Social isolation

Disordered eating can be difficult to identify, especially given the fact that the person suffering may not display the classic symptoms of an ED.

Furthermore, substance use disorders often co-occur with eating disorders, which makes treatment more complex

Assessing the Risk

Though disordered eating may not meet the criteria for an ED, there are still physical and psychological implications for the behavior. In order to assess whether or not a person is suffering from disordered eating, some of the following areas should be considered:

• Ability to concentrate and focus – thoughts about food and eating may impact professional or academic performance

• Social life – a person struggling might withdraw from social situations centered on food, such as eating with others at a restaurant or at the dinner table

• Anxiety and discomfort – food and eating might cause feelings of anxiety or discomfort

• Coping skills – food may be avoided or consumed in excess as a means of dealing with stress or other difficult feelings

Disordered Eating and Addiction

Disordered eating can lead to the development of an eating disorder, which is a type of behavioral, or process, addiction. This type of addiction can be just as harmful to an individual as substance addiction. If a person develops an eating disorder, it is an indication that there are other underlying mental health conditions that need to be resolved.

Furthermore, substance use disorders often co-occur with eating disorders. When these co-occur, treatment becomes more complex.

Behaviors associated with disordered eating may also reflect efforts at regulating one’s emotional state, perhaps by over or under-eating or avoiding certain distressing feelings.

Heather R. Hayes & Associates Recovery and Support

Noticing the signs of disordered eating outlined above may help you or your struggling loved one recognize the need for professional advice and guidance with regards to food-related behavior so that appropriate intervention can take place as early as possible to prevent the development of further problems.

Heather R. Hayes and Associates specialize in all aspects of recovery. We are supported by medical and psychological professionals, all of whom are skilled in helping our clients receive the treatment they need. If you or a loved one is displaying signs of disordered eating, reach out to us today. We help our clients get on the road to recovery and support them at every stage of treatment in order to help restore their quality of life.