What Is Disordered Eating?

Yo-yo dieting and a preoccupation with food are nothing new in our culture. But when does a focus on food, calories and weight become a health concern?

What Is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating describes a range of irregular eating behaviors that may or may not include the diagnosis of a specific eating disorder.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, are diagnosed according to specific and narrow criteria. This excludes a majority of people suffering with disordered eating.

Another category, known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or EDNOS, also has specific criteria that may not include all individuals suffering from disordered eating patterns.

Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder

The most significant difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating is how a person's symptoms and experiences align with the criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association. The term "disordered eating" is a descriptive phrase, not a diagnosis. Thus, while many people who have disordered eating patterns may fit the criteria for EDNOS, it also is possible to have disordered eating patterns that do not fit within the diagnosis of an eating disorder.

Still, eating concerns that fall short of a diagnosis deserve attention and treatment as they come with their own health risks and may turn into eating disorders in the future.

Symptoms of Disordered Eating

Signs and symptoms of disordered eating may include, but are not limited to:

• Frequent dieting, anxiety associated with specific foods or meal skipping
• Chronic weight fluctuations
• Rigid rituals and routines surrounding food and exercise
• Feelings of guilt and shame associated with eating
• Preoccupation with food, weight and body image that negatively impacts quality of life
• A feeling of loss of control around food, including compulsive eating habits
• Using exercise, food restriction, fasting or purging to "make up for bad foods" consumed

Harm Caused by Disordered Eating

Many people who suffer with disordered eating patterns either minimize or do not fully realize the impact it has on their mental and physical health. Consequences can include a greater risk of obesity and eating disorders, bone loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, electrolyte and fluid imbalances, low heart rate and blood pressure, increased anxiety, depression and social isolation.

Disordered eating is a serious health concern that may be difficult to detect, since a person with disordered eating patterns may not display all the classic symptoms identified with eating disorders. It's important to remember that a person exhibiting disordered eating habits and behaviors also may be experiencing significant physical, emotional and mental stress.

Registered dietitian nutritionists are vital to the detection and treatment of disordered eating. Often, patients referred to dietitians for nutrition counseling are unaware that their eating patterns are problematic or harmful. Working with a dietitian who has a background in counseling patients with eating disorders is an important step in treating disordered eating and preventing it from progressing to an eating disorder.

For more information or guidance on finding support, visit The National Eating Disorder Association website.