Understanding Disordered Eating
Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular or unhealthy eating behaviours that may not meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder, but still have a significant negative impact on a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and relationship with food.
Unlike clinical eating disorders, disordered eating may be more subtle and socially accepted, but it can still cause harm — and in some cases, it may progress into a full eating disorder over time.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating includes any pattern of eating that:
- Feels rigid, obsessive, or emotionally distressing
- Involves extreme restriction, overeating, or compensatory behaviours
- Is used to cope with stress, anxiety, guilt, or low self-worth
- Causes ongoing worry about food, weight, or body image
It is not a formal diagnosis but is recognised by health professionals as a serious issue that often requires support and intervention.
Common Signs and Behaviours
- Skipping meals regularly or chronic dieting
- Labeling foods as “good” or “bad”
- Feeling guilt, shame, or anxiety after eating
- Obsessively tracking calories, macros, or weight
- Using exercise to “earn” or compensate for food
- Cutting out entire food groups without medical reason
- Frequent weight fluctuations or yo-yo dieting
- Binge eating followed by self-criticism
- Avoiding social events that involve food
- Engaging in restrictive “cleanses,” detoxes, or fasting cycles
Some individuals may engage in disordered eating while appearing outwardly healthy, making it easy to overlook or dismiss.
Why It Matters
Disordered eating can:
- Increase the risk of developing a clinical eating disorder
- Lead to nutrient deficiencies and digestive problems
- Disrupt hormones and menstrual cycles
- Damage mental health and self-esteem
- Lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and loss of control
- Become a long-term, unhealthy pattern that’s hard to break
It can affect people of all body sizes, ages, and backgrounds — and no one is “not sick enough” to deserve help.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Disordered eating is often influenced by a mix of cultural, emotional, and psychological factors, including:
- Pressure to meet societal body ideals
- Social media comparison and body checking
- Trauma, bullying, or weight-related teasing
- Perfectionism and low self-esteem
- Anxiety, depression, or a need for control
- Diet culture and fear of weight gain
Often, disordered eating develops gradually and is unintentionally encouraged by praise for weight loss, “clean eating,” or self-control around food.
Seeking Support and Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with food, body image, or guilt related to eating, support is available.
Treatment may include:
- Working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist
- Therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Journaling or reflecting on food-related thoughts and beliefs
- Building flexible eating patterns and food neutrality
- Reducing exposure to diet culture (e.g., unfollowing triggering accounts)
Early intervention is key. You do not need a formal diagnosis to seek help or to begin healing your relationship with food and your body.
Helpful Resources
- BEAT Eating Disorders (UK) – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
- First Steps ED – www.firststepsed.co.uk
- Mind UK – www.mind.org.uk
- National Centre for Eating Disorders – www.eating-disorders.org.uk
- NHS Mental Health Services – www.nhs.uk
Sources
BEAT. (2024). What Is Disordered Eating? Retrieved from: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
NHS. (2023). Disordered Eating – Mental Health Services. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk
National Centre for Eating Disorders (2024). Understanding Disordered Eating. Retrieved from: https://www.eating-disorders.org.uk
Mind. (2023). Food and Mood – Understanding Your Relationship with Food. Retrieved from: https://www.mind.org.uk