Eating disorders and disordered eating

Eating disorders and disordered eating are distinct but related concepts, both involving complex relationships with food, body image, and eating behaviours.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are clinically diagnosable mental health conditions characterized by persistent, unhealthy behaviors and thoughts related to eating, body weight, and body shape. They often involve severe physical and psychological consequences. Examples include:

  1. Anorexia Nervosa

    • Core Features: Intense fear of gaining weight, severe food restriction, and distorted body image.

    • Effects: Extreme weight loss, malnutrition, weakened immune system, and potentially life-threatening complications.

  2. Bulimia Nervosa

    • Core Features: Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting, excessive exercise).

    • Effects: Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and damage to teeth and throat due to frequent vomiting.

  3. Binge Eating Disorder

    • Core Features: Recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by feelings of loss of control and guilt.

    • Effects: Weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and psychological distress.

  4. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

    • Core Features: Significant eating disorder symptoms that do not fully align with the criteria for the above disorders.

    • Examples: Atypical anorexia (weight is not underweight), purging disorder, or night eating syndrome.

  5. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

    • Core Features: Avoidance of food due to sensory sensitivity, fear of choking, or lack of interest, without body image concerns.

    • Effects: Nutritional deficiencies, growth delays, and dependency on supplements.

Disordered Eating

Disordered eating refers to irregular or unhealthy eating behaviors that do not meet the clinical criteria for an eating disorder but can still have negative effects on physical and mental health. Examples include:

  • Chronic dieting.

  • Skipping meals frequently.

  • Emotional eating (using food to cope with emotions).

  • Overemphasis on "clean eating" (orthorexia, though not a formal diagnosis).

  • Using food as a reward or punishment.

  • Fixation on calorie counting or macros beyond healthy moderation.

While disordered eating behaviours might not be as severe as eating disorders, they can still escalate over time or negatively impact quality of life, mental health, and body image.

Overlap and Risks

  • Shared Factors: Both can stem from societal pressure, low self-esteem, trauma, or perfectionism.

  • Escalation Risk: Disordered eating can progress into a full-blown eating disorder if not addressed.

When to Seek Help

  • Signs of Eating Disorders: Significant weight changes, avoidance of meals, extreme concern about food/body, or physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dizziness).

  • For Disordered Eating: Recognizing patterns of unhealthy eating behaviors and seeking early support from a dietitian, therapist, or support group.

Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical care, nutrition therapy, and psychological counseling. Early recognition and intervention are critical for recovery.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ED/DE, seeking a comprehensive evaluation is the best first step. It can help to confirm the diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan. The Soke offers assessment and treatment pathways for both adults and children, in our Chelsea and Wimbledon sites. Please note that as an outpatient centre, we cannot help with those who are chronically unwell and require inpatient services. We also provide support and training for individuals, families, schools and organisations who want to better manage the relationship with the diagnosed individual. Please contact our Client Services team to discuss your symptoms - or the symptoms of your loved one - so that they can guide you towards the most appropriate solution to suit your particular circumstances. They can also be reached on 020 7139 5051.