She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Grip of Disordered Eating

As a young adult, I thought I was doing everything right. I tried every diet under the sun, cutting carbs, going vegan, and even attempting juice cleanses. But beneath the surface, I was struggling with a complex issue: disordered eating. It wasn’t until a routine doctor’s appointment that I learned the term and began to understand the gravity of my situation.

What is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating is a set of behaviors aimed at weight control, including obsessively counting calories, restricting nutrients, and skipping meals. While it’s not a diagnosis in and of itself, it can be a precursor to diagnosed eating disorders. Unfortunately, disordered eating often goes unrecognized because the behaviors that constitute it have been normalized by society.

Signs and Symptoms

Disordered eating affects not only our eating habits but also our emotional well-being and long-term health outcomes. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Physical symptoms: skipping meals, compulsive eating, bingeing and purging, frequent dieting, and exercising excessively
• 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

Disordered eating can have serious consequences, including depression, substance misuse, social isolation, malnutrition, and even suicidal thoughts. It’s essential to recognize the signs and seek help before it’s too late.

Orthorexia: A Hidden Danger

Orthorexia is a specific type of disordered eating characterized by an obsession with “healthy” eating. Symptoms include compulsively checking nutrition labels, cutting out entire food groups, and feeling superior when one’s eating is more “pure” and “clean.”

Common Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions surrounding disordered eating, including:

• The idea that there’s a “look” to eating disorders (disordered eating affects people of all sizes, weights, and genders)
• The notion that it’s a matter of vanity (disordered eating is often tied to deeper issues of self-worth)
• The assumption that it’s normal behavior (extreme dieting and exercising are not healthy or normal)

How to Help a Loved One

If you’re concerned about someone in your life who may be struggling with disordered eating, approach the situation with kindness and compassion. Speak up early, avoid alienating them, and understand the underlying reasons for their behavior.

Seeking Help for Yourself

If you’re struggling with disordered eating, know that you’re not alone. Confide in a loved one, stop weighing yourself, get rid of clothes that don’t fit, and curate a body-positive social feed. Most importantly, seek help from a dietitian and/or therapist who specializes in eating disorders.

Managing Existing Eating Habits

In a society that perpetuates fatphobia and diet culture, it’s challenging to rewire our brains to accept ourselves as we are. Here are some tips to help you develop habits that serve your well-being:

• Avoid crash diets and celebrate food
• Prioritize your mental health and do exercise you enjoy
• Avoid commenting on body and appearance, and focus on other qualities that are important

Remember, breaking free from disordered eating requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to challenge societal norms. By recognizing the signs and seeking help, you can take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.