Disordered eating has become increasingly common in today’s society. From calorie-counting apps to influencer-driven diets, there are countless ways people can fall into unhealthy patterns around food.
Symptoms of disordered eating are not limited to overeating or under-eating; it encompasses many behaviors that affect physical and mental health. If left unchecked, these habits can lead to severe issues like malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, depression, and even kidney failure.
What is an Eating Disorder?
Disordered eating is a cluster of unhealthy eating habits that could signal the development of an eating disorder but doesn’t meet all criteria of one. The difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder lies in its severity.
Patterns of disordered eating may manifest in extreme episodes of overeating followed by restriction and feelings of shame and regret. People who struggle with eating disorders often need professional help, which is okay!
Treatment for this condition may involve therapy sessions focused on identifying the underlying cause for these issues, such as low self-esteem or stress, and learning new coping strategies to manage their emotions better.
Disordered Eating Symptoms
Disordered eating is a broad term that describes unhealthy habits and thoughts related to food, body image, and weight. It encompasses an array of abnormal eating behaviors ranging from mild missteps to severe unhealthy behavior patterns.
For example, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia are disordered eating.
The earlier someone addresses these concerns, they will receive treatment sooner rather than later, which helps minimize the long-term consequences of disordered eating. It’s always possible to seek help and make changes towards healthier thinking patterns regarding food intake and its impact on overall well-being.
What Causes Eating Disorders?
The causes of disordered eating differ for everyone but often center around trying to control their body weight or shape. In addition, certain life events such as trauma, stress, dieting, family issues, bullying, etc., can all contribute to developing unhealthy habits with food. People who have experienced these situations should be aware of potential warning signs.
Disordered Eating Treatment
The goal of treating disordered eating should be to restore normal dietary behavior and improve overall mental health. Eating regular meals throughout the day with healthy snacks in between will help create a sense of control over cravings and urges to eat late at night.
Treatment of disordered eating includes:
Psychotherapy
To help the individual understand why they engage in disordered eating behaviors, such as emotional triggers that lead to unhelpful coping strategies.
Nutritional Counseling
This helps individuals learn more balanced approaches to nutrition and food choices while also helping them develop healthier attitudes toward their body image and nutrition.
Medical Monitoring
To ensure that the client’s medical status remains stable during treatment.
