Eating Disorder vs Disordered Eating
Theres a large amount of myths surrounding eating disorders and misconceptions that can prevent some from seeking the help they need. When the words eating disorder are mentioned, many immediately think about anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, and the alarming stats come to their mind. But a larger amount of population is struggling with their own unhealthy eating habits, and may not receive all the help they deserve, or the opportunity, because they do not fit the criteria for a diagnosable eating disorder. They are said to be disordered eaters. What does this mean, and how does it differ?
What is Disordered Eating?
Disordered Eating refers to abnormal eating habits, which may remind us of the symptoms of a diagnosable Eating Disorder, such as:
- Binge-Eating
- Skipping meals regularly
- Purging (self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise and/or misuse of laxatives or diuretics)
- Anxiety about food (be it certain foods or food groups)
Many with disordered eating can use the behaviors as a way to cope with any uncomfortable emotions theyre dealing with, which is the same way someone with a diagnosable eating disorder would use their behaviors to cope with emotions. As happens in a diagnosable eating disorder, these behaviors may lead to physical and mental conditions, as well as affect their life – be it social, like damaging relationships, or at the workplace or even school, since their ability to focus might decrease.
What is the difference?
The behaviors and thoughts about food, weight and body shape may affect everyone differently – the frequency (how often do they happen) and severity (how much does it affect ones life) are what distinguish a diagnosable eating disorder from disordered eating. While the frequency can be measured in how many times or for how long it has happened, severity can be harder to define.
Many will look at the physical damage for any signs, and dismiss the psychological damage. But the mental suffering that comes from disordered eating can be the same as in an eating disorder. And shouldnt be ignored!
Is Disordered Eating less serious?
Short answer: no. Disordered eating can damage the body as much as an eating disorder. Actually, people with disordered eating and eating disorders are as likely to feel unwell or ill. Because these behaviors may appear less extreme or less harmful, they can be pushed aside or even ignore, and seen as normal or healthy. But as said above, they can be used as a coping skill - which means that they may progress and eventually fit the extreme or harmful criteria for an eating disorder.
Many people that struggle with disordered eating, can be diagnosed with EDNOS/OSFED because of how their behaviors are: they might be less extreme or go through cycles that dont fit any of the other categories. Still, many can be dismissed as not serious enough and not get the help they need.
In short:
Disordered eating means abnormal eating habits that occur on a regular basis. Eating disorder is the medical diagnosis given to someone who is struggling with disordered eating frequently and with a serious impact on their life and health. And these abnormal eating habits are often used as coping mechanisms, in order to handle uncomfortable emotions.
Discussion Questions:
1) What are your thoughts on disordered eating and eating disorders?
2) Have you, or someone you know, experienced disordered eating?
3) How do you feel about the way eating disorders are treated and talked about?
Sources:
https://paleoforwomen.com/the-difference-between-eating-disorders-and-disordered-eating-and-why-it-matters/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/contemporary-psychoanalysis-in-action/201402/disordered-eating-or-eating-disorder-what-s-the
@eviesweet, Thank you for making this post! It is just wonderful considering tomorrow eating disorder awareness week starts. I can answer the third question. I think there is a lot of stigma surrounding this topic. EDs are not taken seriously. I hope one day people will give eating disorders as much importance as they give to other mental/physical health concerns. I am not happy about the stereotypes that surround EDs. I think this is a very serious health concern and it needs to be talked about and people dealing ED should be supported rather than trying to convince them that their issue is not valid enough and other people have it way worse. 
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@eviesweet hmmm thank you so much for this post,it was interesting and I have never heard about it. It made me think about myself. I am eating a lot, I mean I love food but usually I am skipping lunch because I just don't have time for eating (because of the school and etc). And the weirdest thing that I don't event want to eat until I am not coming back to home, what are around 9PM. But if I am in my homes,like weekends, I am hungry and I am eating in a normal scheldule. Do you think it's something similar? :O
@RaCat You're welcome! Disordered eating refers to any abnormal eating habits one may engage in. Abnormal eating habits mean "not normal" and normal is a very weird term. I prefer to say "eating intuitively" - which means eating when hungry, stopping when full.
If one is skipping lunch because doesn't have time to eat and when has free time has a meal/snack because feels hungry - I'd say is normal, because they followed their body needs. A busy schedule can mean we miss some meals, from time to time! If one skips lunch because doesn't have time, but ignores the body needs and doesn't eat afterwards - it can be disordered eating. There's a fine line between disordered eating/normal eating and disordered eating/eating disorder, which can make it hard! Specially if someone is trying to analyze their own eating habits.
If you're concern about your eating habits, try to ask yourself if you're not eating at certain times because you're not hungry or if there's a reason behind it. Also, remember that the eating intuitively I mentioned above can mean somedays you eat less than others - that's perfectly normal! Somedays we're more hungry than others And if there's a reason behind it, no need to get worried. Not everything is black and white and sometimes we just need to check-in with our needs! I'm glad you asked that, it's better to put our doubts out in open than keep them in. Sorry if it's a long explanation, just wanted to also explain more about it since can be a bit tricky for some the "difference" between both!
@eviesweet wow thank you for the long answer! It made everything clearer. Sometimes I have a doubts if it's normal or not, but I think everyone faces with these kind of thoughts <3
@eviesweet - Thank you for this post! I think often people are looking for that formal diagnosis of an eating disorder, but what I always say is whether it's officially an eating disorder or in the disordered eating range, if it's impacting your life, your health, or your happiness, then it's a real and valid problem worth addressing! I appreciate that you noted that disordered eating is still serious. :)
