Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorders

The Differences and What to Look For

Sometimes used interchangeably, disordered eating is NOT an eating disorder.  According to the American Psychiatric Association, “eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions.”  Many eating disorders are also accompanied by anxiety, depression, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder.  These are psychological disorders, requiring a medical team approach consisting of physicians, psychiatrists, psychologist, and registered dietitians. 

The eating disorders (ED) most discussed are:

1.       Anorexia Nervosa

2.       Bulimia Nervosa

3.       Binge-Eating Disorder

4.       OSFED: other specified feeding or eating disorder

The purpose of this article is to bring attention to the “not so obvious” disordered eating patterns sometimes masked as diets, weight fluctuations, or an obsession with exercise.  Disordered eating is a general term used to categorize abnormal or harmful eating/exercising behaviors used in a misguided attempt to lose weight or maintain a lower-than-normal body weight.  Though the definitions sound similar, diagnosing an eating disorder requires more stringent, specific criteria. 

Why bring this sensitive topic up?  The fitness arena is notorious for breeding disordered eating patterns and we wanted to help you identify warning signs.  If you have one or more of the warning signs, does it mean you have a problem?  Not necessarily, but maybe you start listening to the inner voice that drives the behavior a little more closely.  These things only become an issue when they start to control your life.  If you feel you need help, please let us know so we can be a part of the solution. 

Here are some warning signs of disordered eating:

·       Relentless, excessive exercise

·       Constant preoccupation with food

·       Avoiding social functions involving food

·       Eliminating food groups for non-medical reasons

·       Fear with eating

·       Eating in private or hiding food

·       Restrictive eating and constant calorie counting

·       Depressive mood

·       Wearing baggy or layered clothing

·       Strict dieting followed by eating binges

·       Starting and stopping diets

·       Increased criticism of one’s body

·       Feeling out of control in regards to food

·       Body image dissatisfaction

·       Perfectionism

·       Reoccurring injuries

·       For menstruating women: missing periods 3-months in a row

Again, if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food, let us help.  Our partners (registered dietitians) over at Downingtown Nutrition can help you come up with safe, healthy strategies or refer you to someone who can.