Disordered eating is more common than many realize, and it can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, or background. Often times, it’s not just about the food itself, but also the emotions, pressures, and trying to control something in your life when everything else feels out of control. But most importantly, disordered eating is not a behavior that needs to be faced alone, and recovery IS possible.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating refers to unhealthy eating behaviors that don’t necessarily meet the criteria to be diagnosed as a formal eating disorder, but still cause harm. This could include obsessing over food, skipping meals, binge eating, or engaging in extreme diets. These behaviors can impact not just your body but your mind, too.
Signs of Disordered Eating
It can be hard to spot disordered eating symptoms at first, especially because they don’t always look the same for everyone. However, these are some common red flags to watch for:
- Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, or body image. If you’re constantly thinking about calories, food choices, or your body, it can be a sign that something deeper is going on.
- Drastic changes in eating habits, like skipping meals, binging, or restricting food. These behaviors often start small but can snowball into unhealthy eating patterns over time.
- Emotional distress around food—feeling guilty, ashamed, or anxious before or after eating. It can be a constant rollercoaster of emotions tied to food choices.
- Physical warning signs like noticeable weight changes, fatigue, low energy, or stomach issues. These symptoms often show up when the body isn’t getting the nutrition or balance it needs.
It’s important to remember that disordered eating isn’t just a set of food-related behaviors—they’re signs of deeper pressures or struggles happening, and that support is needed.
What Causes Disordered Eating?
There isn’t one singular cause of disordered eating—it’s usually a mix of emotional, environmental, and biological factors. Societal pressures to look a certain way, family dynamics, and personal struggles can all play a part. For some, it’s a way to cope with difficult emotions or stress.
Although eating disorders in women tend to be more common, these behaviors can affect people of all genders and ages. Though, disordered eating is especially prevalentin groups that are more likely to grapple with their identity or face social pressures related to body image, such as teens and young adults.
But no matter where you’re starting from, know this: eating disorder recovery is not only possible—it’s absolutely achievable. With the right help, you can start healing and reconnecting with yourself in a healthy way.
Seeking Support
If you’re noticing signs of eating disorders in yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to take action. There are many organizations with the tools and resources you need to understand what’s going on and start rebuilding your relationship with food and your body.
Healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is ready to walk with you on your recovery journey and guide you toward healthier ways to cope. Give us a call today at 507.289.2089.
For more information and resources, you can also check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) webpage, which offers guidance on how to support yourself and your loved ones when disordered eating is a concern.