What is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating includes unhealthy food and body behaviors, usually undertaken for the purpose of weight loss or health promotion, that may put the person at risk for significant harm. Disordered eating is serious and can lead to severe complications in one’s life, so it is important to stay vigilant of the warning signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, disordered eating is extremely common due to the normalization of many disordered behaviors in primarily Western cultures.

Common examples of disordered eating include :

• Fad diets
• Cleanses
• Heightened focus on appearance
• Skipping meals
• Supplement misuse
• Preoccupation with healthy eating
• Extreme social media focused on appearance or food
• Under eating or overeating

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are severe and life-threatening brain-based illnesses. Those affected experience serious disturbances in their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, which can lead to devastating consequences like medical complications and social isolation. Those affected by anorexia, bulimia, ARFRID (avoidant / restrictive food intake disorder) often exhibit an extreme fixation on food or body that impairs their daily lives. For those struggling with AFRID, there may be a lack of interest around food or an extreme disdain of certain tastes or textures that results in physical complications.

Signs and symptoms of eating disorders include :

• Dramatic weight gain or weight loss
• Preoccupation with food or body
• Changes in food intake
• Purging, restricting, or binge eating
• Abuse of diet pills or laxatives
• Eating in secret, hiding food, or feeling out of control with food
• Medical complications
• Dizziness and fainting
• Menstrual irregularities
• Dry skin or nails
• Hair loss
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Severe complications like heart disease or organ failure

Our compassionate counselors will help you with treatment options, support and resources. If you or a loved one is struggling with disordered eating or possibly an eating disorder, don’t wait. Reach out today. You’re not alone. We want to help and we know how hard it can be to take that first step.