Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating: Knowing the Difference

• April 06 2023
• 10 min reading time

Eating disorders and disordered eating are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. While both involve unhealthy relationships with food, they differ in their severity, symptoms, and impact on mental and physical health. It's important to understand the difference between the two, as it can help individuals and their loved ones identify and address problematic behaviours before they escalate into more serious conditions. In this article, we'll explore the distinctions between eating disorders and disordered eating, and why it matters. We'll also discuss the signs and symptoms of each, the impact they can have on mental and physical health, and the available treatment options. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of eating disorders and disordered eating, and be better equipped to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.

Defining Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve extreme and often dangerous eating behaviours. They are characterised by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviours that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning. There are several types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Each has its own set of diagnostic criteria, but they all share the common feature of an unhealthy relationship with food and a distorted body image. On the other hand, disordered eating refers to a range of problematic eating behaviours that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder but are still cause for concern. These behaviours can include restrictive eating, compulsive eating, and bingeing and purging, and can be driven by a range of factors, including dieting culture, stress, and poor body image. While disordered eating may not meet the criteria for an eating disorder, it can still have a significant impact on physical and mental health, and can lead to the development of more serious conditions if left untreated.

Types of Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the three main types of eating disorders:

• Anorexia nervosa is characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight, despite being underweight or losing weight rapidly. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image, and may engage in restrictive eating or excessive exercise to lose weight. They may also engage in other behaviours such as purging or using laxatives to control their weight.
• Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviours such as vomiting or using laxatives. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may feel a lack of control during their binge eating episodes and feel intense shame and guilt afterwards. They may also engage in restrictive eating and excessive exercise in an attempt to compensate for their binge eating.
• Binge eating disorder is characterised by recurring episodes of compulsive overeating, where an individual feels a lack of control over their eating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder does not involve purging behaviours. Individuals with binge eating disorder may feel intense shame and guilt about their eating habits, which can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

While these three types of eating disorders have distinct diagnostic criteria, they all involve unhealthy relationships with food and can have serious consequences for physical and mental health.

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can be difficult to recognise, as individuals with these conditions may go to great lengths to hide their behaviours and avoid seeking help. However, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.

Anorexia nervosa

• Rapid weight loss or being significantly underweight
• Obsessive focus on calorie counting and food intake
• Preoccupation with body weight and shape
• Avoidance of social situations involving food
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Compulsive exercising
• Withdrawal from friends and family

Bulimia nervosa

• Binge eating followed by purging behaviours such as vomiting or using laxatives
• Preoccupation with body weight and shape
• Compulsive exercising
• Disappearing after meals to purge
• Tooth decay and erosion from vomiting
• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
• Calluses or scars on the knuckles from induced vomiting

Binge eating disorder

• Recurring episodes of compulsive overeating
• Feeling a lack of control over eating habits
• Eating large amounts of food in secret
• Feeling guilty or ashamed after binge eating episodes
• Rapidly eating food and not fully tasting it
• Eating when not hungry
• Feeling isolated and avoiding social situations involving food

It's important to note that not everyone with an eating disorder will display all of these symptoms, and there may be other signs and behaviours that are specific to each individual. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be struggling with an eating disorder, it's important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Understanding Disordered Eating: Causes and Behaviours

Disordered eating refers to a range of problematic eating behaviours that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder but are still cause for concern. These behaviours can be driven by a range of factors, including dieting culture, stress, and poor body image. Some common behaviours associated with disordered eating include:

• Restrictive eating: This involves severely limiting food intake, often in an attempt to lose weight or achieve a certain body shape. It can also involve cutting out entire food groups or following fad diets.
• Compulsive eating: This involves feeling a lack of control over eating habits, and often results in consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time.
• Bingeing and purging: This involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviours such as vomiting or using laxatives.
• Skipping meals: This can be a sign of restrictive eating or a busy lifestyle, but it can also be a sign of disordered eating if it becomes a regular habit.

Disordered eating can have a range of physical and psychological consequences, including nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It can also increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Some common causes of disordered eating include:

• Societal pressure to achieve an unrealistic body ideal
• Traumatic life events such as bullying, abuse, or a major life change
• A history of dieting or weight-related behaviours
• Emotional issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression
• Genetics and biological factors

It's important to note that not everyone who engages in disordered eating behaviours will go on to develop an eating disorder, but these behaviours can still have a significant impact on physical and mental health.

Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders: Key Differences

Disordered eating and eating disorders are both terms that describe problematic relationships with food, but they are not the same thing. While eating disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions, disordered eating refers to a range of behaviours that are cause for concern but may not meet the criteria for a specific disorder. Some key differences between disordered eating and eating disorders include:

• Severity: Eating disorders are more severe than disordered eating, and can have serious consequences for physical and mental health.
• Diagnostic criteria: Eating disorders have specific diagnostic criteria that must be met for a diagnosis, whereas disordered eating does not.
• Duration: Eating disorders are typically long-lasting and persistent, while disordered eating behaviours may be occasional or intermittent.
• Impact on daily life: Eating disorders can have a significant impact on daily life, including relationships, work, and social activities. Disordered eating may not have as significant an impact on daily life.
• Treatment: Eating disorders usually require specialised treatment, such as therapy and medication, whereas disordered eating may be addressed through lifestyle changes and support from a medical professional.

The Grey Area: When Disordered Eating Crosses the Line to an Eating Disorder

While disordered eating and eating disorders are distinct, there is a grey area where disordered eating behaviours can progress to the point of meeting the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. This can happen gradually over time, or as a result of a triggering event such as a major life change or traumatic experience. Some signs that disordered eating behaviours may be crossing the line to an eating disorder include:

• The behaviours are becoming more frequent and intense
• The behaviours are interfering with daily life, such as work or social activities
• The individual is experiencing physical or mental health consequences as a result of the behaviours
• The individual is experiencing a significant impact on their relationships or emotional wellbeing

The Impact of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating on Mental and Physical Health

Eating disorders and disordered eating can have serious consequences for physical and mental health. The physical effects of these conditions can range from mild to life-threatening, and can include:

• Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies
• Gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, constipation, and acid reflux
• Tooth decay and erosion from vomiting
• Hormonal imbalances
• Osteoporosis and bone density loss
• Heart problems such as low heart rate and irregular heart rhythms
• Kidney and liver damage
• Seizures and fainting

The mental health consequences of eating disorders and disordered eating can also be severe and can include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Obsessive thoughts about food and weight
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Low self-esteem and poor body image
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Irritability and mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Treatment Options for Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

Treatment for eating disorders and disordered eating typically involves a combination of therapy and medication, as well as support from a medical professional and loved ones. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual's needs and the severity of their condition. Some common treatment options for eating disorders and disordered eating include:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to food and body image.
• Family-based therapy: This approach involves working with the individual and their family to address the underlying causes of the eating disorder or disordered eating.
• Nutritional counselling: This can help individuals develop a healthy relationship with food and learn how to make balanced, nutritious choices.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
• Hospitalisation: For severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary to address medical complications and provide round-the-clock care.

It's important to seek help from a medical professional if you or someone you know is displaying signs of an eating disorder or disordered eating. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve the chances of recovery. In addition to professional treatment, there are also some self-help strategies that can be helpful for managing eating disorders and disordered eating, such as:

• Developing a support network of friends and family
• Practising self-care and stress-management techniques
• Challenging negative thought patterns related to food and body image
• Engaging in physical activity that is enjoyable and not driven by weight loss or appearance
• Eating regular, balanced meals and snacks

Recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating can be a long and challenging process, but it is possible with the right support and treatment. Education and awareness are also important for addressing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and disordered eating, and promoting early intervention and treatment. This includes educating healthcare professionals, educators, and the general public on the signs and symptoms of these conditions, as well as the available treatment options and resources. By promoting positive body image and healthy eating habits, and addressing the underlying causes of disordered eating behaviours, we can work towards preventing eating disorders and promoting overall health and wellbeing.

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