Eating Disorders – Things That You Need To Know


Poor health has become very common today. Everyone you see must be dealing with any health conditions. It is due to improper food intake.

At work, colleagues may tell you that you have skipped the carbs or proteins. You can get the text in the family group that they are hitting the gym.

All these behaviors are known as healthy, but researchers have categorized them as signs of Disordered eating. It is difficult to understand when these habits start falling into this category.

Eating healthy and avoiding disordered eating is crucial to lead a healthy lifestyle.
What is meant by disordered eating?
Most of you must have heard the term “disordered eating”. But you may not know what it is and why it is termed as disordered. Well, the term disordered eating refers to the food and behaviors that cause poor effects on physical and mental health.

Several eating counselors have stated the terms disordered eating and Full Threshold Eating disorder as unhealthy.

Some may consume the proper healthy diet with all the essential nutrients, and some people consume unhealthy and preserved food which falls into the category of disordered eating.
Common disordered eating habits

Disordered eating can be recognized through its habits, which are as follows:

⦁ consuming only specific types of foods containing certain micronutrients without any medical reason
⦁ Binge eating
⦁ Doing intense exercises and activities to reduce weight or burn calories
⦁ drinking more water to feel fuller
⦁ Fasting without any knowledge
⦁ Only eating those foods which are less in calories and nutrients
⦁ Being very precise about the calories intake

People who engage in all these habits can fall prey to disordered eating. However, it is not linked with any medical condition but can cause poor physical and mental health.

Difference between disordered eating and eating disorders

eating disorders


Eating disorders are also known as full-threshold EDs. It includes consuming unhealthy food without considering the negative effects of such food items.

On the other hand, disordered eating involves specific patterns of eating and consuming food. Both conditions can be fatal and dangerous to the person, So it is always important to consume healthy food.

Both these disorders can affect people of any gender, race, body size, and income level.


Who is at risk of disordered eating?

dieting for weight management

Nowadays, a lot of people have a disordered relationship with their food.

It can affect people of any age and gender regardless of income level. However, some groups are at higher risk of getting disordered eating.

⦁ Obese and overweight people are more likely to exhibit disordered eating. Only a few people are underweight and still exhibit disordered eating.
⦁ Research has shown that white people are more likely to get EDs or disordered eating; however, no specific research confirms it.
⦁ People who are gay, lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, or have any other non-heterosexual identities are at more risk to get disordered eating.
⦁ Transgender people are at severely superior risk of developing Eds. Several studies have found that transgender people are 15% more likely to get disordered eating than cisgender, heterosexual men, or heterosexual women.


Why is disordered eating becoming dominant?

Disordered eating has become a part of this community. People facing disordered eating can fall prey to fatphobia, a fear of getting fat.

The life of these people is limited to only the kitchen and doctor’s office.
Our social media influencers and fake beauty standards have made people fall into anxiety and depression.

Everybody on social media and daily life products promotes only a low waist and thin body, which makes people even more conscious about their health and physique.


Curing disordered eating

To create a healthy life, it is crucial to building a healthy relationship with food.

In this case, disordered-informed physicians or healthcare professionals can help people to rebuild their relationship with food. They help you come over your insecurities regarding your food.


The bottom line
Disordered eating is becoming more common; however, it is difficult to recognize if your habits also fall into that category. It involves food or diet-related activities that are consistent and make you fall prey to eating disorders.

It is crucial to talk to a healthcare provider to protect yourself from disordered eating.