Disordered Eating Vs. Eating Disorder

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With all these fad diets, food trends, societal standards, and media surrounding what foods are “good” or “bad”, it’s no wonder so many people develop unhealthy relationships with food.  A healthy relationship with food and eating occurs when an individual listens to their hunger cues and eats when hungry and stops when full. 

Eating when bored…eating when you had a bad day…overconsuming food…eating the same foods…only eating “health” foods…cutting out certain food groups…only eating at certain times…can all be classified as “disordered eating” even though these sorts of things might not necessarily interfere with one’s life.  Irregular eating patterns can still increase the risk of certain mental, physical, and emotional health complications such as weight fluctuations, feelings of guilt around certain food, loss of control with eating, blood pressure dysregulation, gastrointestinal issues, bone loss, increased anxiety and depression, and preoccupation with food, weight and body image. 

People who have disordered eating patterns and not an eating disorder usually can still have normal functioning.  They may avoid certain foods or eat a certain way, but can usually still go out in social settings, aren’t constantly preoccupied with thinking about food, and don’t obsessively engage in food or body image related behaviors to help them cope with eating.  However, it is still important to try to prevent harmful disordered eating patterns from turning into eating disorders by working with a registered dietitian.  
Having disordered eating patterns does not mean an individual will develop eating disorders, but it can sometimes be the case.  Eating disorders are diagnosed by specific criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the DSM-5.  Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified typically include certain signs, symptoms, and behaviors that involve food or relate to body image and interfere with daily living.  There are three key factors with eating disorders and they include behaviors, obsession, and functionality.

What sets an eating disorder apart from disordered eating depends on the level of obsession around food and behaviors.  Eating disorder obsession impairs daily living by the constant thought of food and body image, behaviors such as restriction and exercise to relieve anxiety around food and eating, and avoiding situations where food might be an issue.  Not involving oneself in daily living due to the eating disorder impacts normal functioning and is a good indication that there is a problem and help from a professional is needed. 

In both cases, disordered eating and eating disorders, it’s important to seek help from professionals that have knowledge and experience counseling individuals with eating disorders. 

NT

Anderson, M. (2018). What is disordered eating? Retrieved from https://www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/eating-disorders/what-is-disordered-eating
Zucker, T. (n.d.) Eating disorders vs. disordered eating: what’s the difference? Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/eating-disorders-versus-disordered-eating

Comments

  1. ksu internsNovember 13, 2018 at 7:43 PM

    I loved this post and think it is so important to talk about the differences between disordered eating and an eating disorder. Even though there are differences, both are very important to be aware of as both can be detrimental to our health. We are meant to have a healthy relationship with food as it nourishes our body!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Buz wikiMarch 8, 2019 at 4:22 AM

    Hy,
    Thanks for posting it,BTW New York Pilates exercise is best treatment for eating disorder.

    ReplyDelete

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