Understanding the Difference Between Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders

Following a particular diet or exercising a great deal are common in our health-conscious culture. With increased awareness of food allergies, it’s not uncommon for someone to restrict certain foods. However, these behaviors may indicate an unhealthy relationship with food. Disordered eating is negative attitudes and behaviors towards food that can lead to a disturbed eating pattern, such as dieting, skipping meals, binge eating, and compulsive exercise. It's not severe enough to be diagnosed as an eating disorder. Eating disorders are complex psychiatric illnesses that affect a person’s body, mind, and social life. They involve persistent disturbances in eating and body image. Prevention programs targeting risk factors like dieting can be effective in the short term. Orthorexia nervosa, an obsession with proper nutrition, is not an official eating disorder but can lead to malnourishment. Look out for signs like preoccupation with food, body weight obsession, and compulsive exercise.

According to the source: The Conversation.