She Strengthens

The Hidden Dangers of Disordered Eating

My Personal Struggle

By the time I was 23, I had tried every diet under the sun. I cut out carbs for 10 months, went vegan, and even attempted days-long juice cleanses. To many, this may have seemed like a healthy pursuit, but it wasn’t until a routine doctor’s appointment that I realized the true extent of my disordered eating habits.

What is Disordered Eating?

According to registered dietitian Sam Tryon, disordered eating refers to a set of behaviors aimed at weight control, such as obsessively counting calories, restricting nutrients, and skipping meals. While it’s not a formal diagnosis, disordered eating can have serious consequences on a person’s well-being.

The Normalization of Disordered Eating

One of the most insidious aspects of disordered eating is how normalized it has become in our society. We’re often encouraged to take a moralistic approach to food, viewing certain foods as “good” or “bad.” But this behavior can lead to a slippery slope of restriction and obsession.

Signs and Symptoms of Disordered Eating

Disordered eating isn’t just about food; it also encompasses emotional issues and long-term health outcomes. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Physical symptoms: skipping meals, compulsive eating, bingeing and purging, frequent dieting, and excessive exercise
• Emotional signs: feeling a loss of control around food, guilt or shame about eating, tying self-worth to size or weight, and obsessing over body image

The Long-Term Effects of Disordered Eating

The subtle nature of disordered eating means it often goes unrecognized until the signs and effects have gotten serious. Some possible long-term effects include depression, substance misuse, social isolation, malnutrition, and even suicidal thoughts.

Orthorexia: The Obsession with “Healthy” Eating

Orthorexia refers to the obsession with restricting food under the guise of “healthy” eating. Symptoms include compulsively checking nutrition labels, cutting out entire food groups, and feeling a sense of pride and superiority when one’s eating is more “pure” and “clean.”

Common Misconceptions About Disordered Eating

There are several common misconceptions about disordered eating that need to be debunked. These include:

• The idea that there’s a “look” to eating disorders
• The notion that disordered eating is solely driven by vanity
• The assumption that extreme dieting and exercising are normal behaviors
• The belief that disordered eating isn’t dangerous for one’s health

How to Help a Loved One

If you’re concerned someone in your life is struggling with disordered eating, it’s essential to intervene in a kind and compassionate way. Here are some tips:

• Speak up if you’re concerned, but avoid accusatory language
• Avoid alienating them with harsh criticism or judgment
• Understand why they may be experiencing disordered eating behaviors
• Be patient and supportive throughout their recovery journey

How to Get Help for Yourself

If you struggle with disordered eating, know that there is help available. Here are some steps you can take:

• Confide in a loved one or trusted friend
• Stop weighing yourself and focus on overall health
• Get rid of clothes that don’t fit and celebrate your body
• Curate a body-positive social media feed
• Reach out to a dietitian and/or therapist who specializes in eating disorders

Tips for Managing Existing Eating Habits

Developing healthy habits takes time and effort. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Avoid crash diets and focus on balanced eating
• Celebrate food and its cultural significance
• Avoid commenting on body and appearance
• Prioritize your mental health and well-being
• Find exercise that brings you joy, rather than focusing on calorie burn