Almost everyone these days will have some awareness of the concept of an eating disorder. This may be through social media, films and literature or sadly, even oneself or a loved one. People seem to be aware of what an eating disorder is, but less people are talking about a similarly concerning presentation called “disordered eating”. Yes, they sound the same, but is there a difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? Why are both important to be aware of?  

Written by Nadine Seif BSc, Assistant Psychologist, Sloane Court Clinic

Almost everyone these days will have some awareness of the concept of an eating disorder. This may be through social media, films and literature or sadly, even oneself or a loved one. People seem to be aware of what an eating disorder is, but less people are talking about a similarly concerning presentation called “disordered eating”. Yes, they sound the same, but is there a difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? Why are both important to be aware of?  

Eating disorders are clinically diagnosable mental health conditions that can take many different forms. Irrespective of how they manifest, they are all identified by abnormal eating patterns that cause significant disruption to one’s daily life. Common eating disorders include Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED), although there are others.  

Disordered eating, however, describes an unhealthy relationship with food, exercise or one’s body resulting in a range of irregular eating behaviours. Dr Omara Naseem, Counselling Psychologist at SCC, explains “more commonly, disordered eating can present as clean eating, cutting out food groups, following diets, using apps to track intake, obsessively counting macros/micros and calories etc. Disordered eating can also include limiting food intake, binge eating (eating a very large amount of food at once and feeling out of control of eating) and/or purging (making yourself sick or misusing laxatives). People may also exercise a lot, or exercise in rigid ways.” These behaviours can be interpreted as “healthy” when taken out of context, but together may represent a phenomenon that warrants intervention.

Not meeting the formal criteria for a diagnosable eating disorder, disordered eating can often be overlooked and its impact on an individual’s life minimised. Dr Sajdah Zaman, Clinical Psychologist at SCC, comments “Shining a spotlight on disordered eating reminds us that all unhealthy eating patterns can have an impact on mental health and not just those that have been formally diagnosed as an eating disorder.” With no diagnosis and such a wide-reaching spectrum of dysfunctional eating behaviours, the sad truth is that many people living with disordered eating patterns may not realise it, and therefore not get the help and advice they need. 

Disordered eating patterns often emerge as a precursor to a full-blown eating disorder, acting as a “gateway” of sorts. As Dr Naseem describes it, “these habits usually begin as healthy habits and can escalate to extremes and become rigid. Flexibility and spontaneity become more difficult for those experiencing this and it can start to significantly impact on other areas of life.” Luckily, when symptoms are spotted early and dealt with immediately, one can expect shorter and more effective recovery periods. Because disordered eating can develop into an eating disorder if left untreated, it is advantageous to identify and attend to early on. Dr Zaman urges us all to “take a moment to check in with yourself and see if you recognise any disordered eating patterns and if you do, take care of yourself by seeking help.” Reiterating that “early intervention is key,” she confirms that this allows the best chance of achieving a healthy relationship with one’s body and food. 

Both disordered eating and eating disorders can affect anyone, and can have serious biological, psychological and social consequences. So, what kinds of disordered eating behaviours should prompt a call to action in yourself or others? Some examples may include:

• Rigid eating patterns, whether it is the type of food or the times it is consumed 

• Unhealthy pre-occupation/obsession with eating ‘pure’ ‘clean’ foods

• Compensatory behaviours after eating (i.e. vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise) 

• Onset of anxiety if plans around food or exercise change 

• Avoiding social settings that involve eating or drinking what is deemed “unhealthy/bad” 

• Trying out new “diets” frequently 

• A preoccupation with food and body image that negatively impacts quality of life 

• Fear of gaining weight 

• Feeling out of control around food 

• Feelings of guilt/shame associated with food or the need to “earn” food 

• Noticeable or sudden changes in weight 

• Using food to manage emotions, whether this be to express, detach, escape or self soothe

Not everyone with disordered eating behaviours will experience all of these symptoms or to the same degree, or in the same way. Dr Naseem explains “Disordered eating is not always all about food. People with disordered eating often feel a lot of pain, sadness and worry. The pattern of eating can be a way to cope.” For others, disordered eating patterns may stem from a negative body image and desire to achieve an unrealistic body, fuelled by an obsession of comparing oneself to others and media image ideals.

Conversely, a healthy relationship with food recognises food as important fuel for our survival. Our everyday activities depend on energy from food intake and allows our bodies to function optimally. When the fundamental purpose of food becomes conceptualised as anything other than fuel, we invite dysfunctional eating behaviours. Of course, food can also be a source of enjoyment and a way of bringing people together. A healthy relationship with food allows for these positive biproducts to be experienced. 

It is clear from the research that early intervention offers the best chances of making a full recovery and in the shortest amount of time, with any form of disordered eating. Psychological treatments identify and challenge one’s underlying thoughts and emotions that have previously maintained unhealthy eating behaviours. Eventually, the idea is to have built a more positive perception of oneself and to learn to promote more functional thought processes around eating and/or body image. This might seem ambitious for some, but it is very much possible to develop a healthy relationship with food after a period of disordered eating with the right kind of help! 

If you do have concerns or questions around your eating patterns, or those of someone you love, the crucial aspect to remember is that it’s never too early to seek help.