Understanding Disordered Eating
Disordered eating isn’t always easy to spot, but it can have a big impact on both your body and your mind. It includes a range of eating behaviors that might not meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder but are still harmful. The sooner we recognize the signs, the sooner we can reach out for help—and that can make all the difference.
What to Look For
Disordered eating can show up in different ways. Some common signs include:
Extreme Dieting: Constantly cutting out foods, skipping meals, or following strict diets that leave you feeling deprived or unwell.
Binge Eating: Eating a large amount of food in a short time and feeling like you can’t stop, often followed by guilt or shame.
Obsessing Over Food or Body Image: Spending a lot of time thinking about what you’re eating, how much you weigh, or how your body looks—and feeling anxious or upset about it.
These behaviors might seem subtle at first, but over time they can take a toll on your health and self-esteem.
What’s Going On Beneath the Surface
Disordered eating often isn’t really about food. It can be tied to deeper emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or past trauma. Understanding that these behaviors may be ways of coping with difficult feelings is an important step toward healing.
How to Get Support
If any of this sounds familiar—whether it’s something you’re experiencing or noticing in someone you care about—know that you’re not alone. Here are some steps that can help:
Talk to a Professional: Therapists, dietitians, and doctors who understand eating issues can offer support and guidance that’s tailored to your needs.
Learn More: The more you understand about disordered eating and the emotional patterns behind it, the more empowered you’ll feel to make healthier choices—mentally and physically.
Reach Out to People You Trust: Recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Friends, family, or support groups can be powerful sources of encouragement.
You Deserve Help and Healing
Struggling with food and body image is more common than you might think—and it’s okay to ask for help. Getting support early can lead to a stronger, healthier relationship with yourself and your body. Be gentle with yourself. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
