Disordered eating and a full-blown eating disorder can be likened to a small crack in a dam versus a complete breach of the dam. Disordered eating may be a small crack in your relationship with food and body image, which can be managed and repaired with proper attention and support.
However, a full-blown eating disorder can be likened to a complete breach of the dam, where the disorder has taken over. You might require intensive and specialised treatment to rebuild and strengthen your relationship with food and body image.
Our relationship with food exists along a continuum. At one end, we have "normal" eating, characterised by a balanced and flexible approach to food. Individuals who practice normal eating eat when hungry and stop when they're full and satisfied without feeling guilty or ashamed.
However, not everyone practices normal eating, and this can lead to disordered eating behaviours. It is estimated that up to 50% of the general population may engage in some form of disordered eating at some point in their lives.
Common examples of disordered eating behaviours include skipping meals, rigidly following restrictive diets, excessive focus on food and body weight and frequent binge-eating episodes. These behaviours may not meet the diagnostic criteria for a full-blown eating disorder. However, they can still have adverse effects on an individual's physical and mental health.
Disordered eating can occur in individuals of any gender, age or socioeconomic background but is more commonly reported among women and young adults. Various factors, such as stress, trauma, social and cultural pressures and negative body image, can contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviours.
In contrast, eating disorders involve extreme and often dangerous behaviours around food and body weight. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) are the four main types of eating disorders. These serious mental illnesses require a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, treatment and support to overcome.
Disordered eating and eating disorders require different treatment. Whilst eating disorders require a multi-disciplinary team, those with disordered eating can be treated by a counsellor who is trained in cognitive behavioural therapy. Disordered eating may be a precursor to developing an eating disorder, so it's crucial to seek help if you're struggling with it.
Symptoms of disordered eating include binge eating, yo-yo dieting, inconsistent eating habits and food choices, feelings of guilt and shame around food, preoccupation with how foods will affect weight and body composition and a fear of eating around others.
Dealing with disordered eating can have very real emotional consequences, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, guilt and shame, social isolation, obsessive thoughts and behaviours and physical health problems. Remember, you're not alone; with the right help, both disordered eating and eating disorders can be treated.
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