eating disorders and disordered eating
Eating disorders and disordered eating are complex and multifaceted issues that affect individuals regardless of their age, gender, socioeconomic status, and location in the world. Increasing education and understanding of these potentially life-threatening mental and physical illness is essential.
Defining Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating:
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating patterns, often accompanied by distressing thoughts and emotions related to food, body weight, and shape. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Other eating disorders that are not as well known, but still in need of intervention are ARFID (avoidant, restrictive food Intake disorder), and pica, the behavior of eating non-nutritive non-food substances. Don’t get hung up on the different diagnoses, as they overlap. When we work together, we will identify and target specific behaviors— restricting, purging, bingeing, eating non-nutritive substances, and/or a combination of these.
On the other hand, disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors that may not meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder but still pose risks to one's physical and mental well-being. This can include restrictive dieting, frequent dieting, and unhealthy weight control practices. Often-times, due to our omnipresent diet culture, these behaviors are normalized and may look like intermittent fasting, being vegan and/or following a highly restrictive diet such as keto. To clarify, just because someone is engaging in those behaviors does not necessarily mean it is disordered eating. It takes a discussion about the motivation and feeling behind the behaviors that can be concerning. It is essential that we address disordered eating before it morphs into a diagnosable eating disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Eating disorders and disordered eating can stem from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Societal pressures, unrealistic beauty standards, and cultural influences can contribute to body image dissatisfaction, which may trigger these conditions.
Media portrayal of "ideal" body types, societal emphasis on thinness, and the prevalence of diet culture contribute to a toxic environment that fosters negative relationships with food. Individual factors, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, and trauma, can also contribute to the development of these conditions.
The study of eating disorders is relatively new, the first record of anorexia nervosa was in 1873 by a British physician. For comparison, the study of physics started in Ancient Greece (6th- 4th centuries BCE). So, what we know about eating disorders is limited to what science is telling us now. Oftentimes, it is difficult to pin-point the exact cause of a person’s eating disorder. It is usually a combination of many factors.
The Importance of Early Intervention:
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and disordered eating is crucial for early intervention. Changes in eating habits, weight fluctuations, and alterations in social behavior can serve as indicators. Friends, family, and healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in providing support and encouraging individuals to seek help.
Recovery and Treatment Options:
Recovery from eating disorders is a challenging journey that often requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. Medical professionals, including therapists, dietitians, and physicians, collaborate to address both the physical and psychological aspects of these conditions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and nutritional counseling are common therapeutic approaches. Additionally, support groups and community involvement can provide a sense of belonging and understanding during the recovery process.
Promoting Body Positivity and Mental Health:
One key aspect of addressing eating disorders and disordered eating is fostering a culture of body positivity and mental health awareness. Celebrating diverse body shapes and sizes, challenging societal norms, and promoting self-love contribute to a healthier mindset surrounding food and body image. This is the reason that we are so adament on being weight-inclusive, non-diet dietitians. We can pursue health without the impossible pursuit of thinness above all.
Eating disorders and disordered eating are complex issues that demand attention and understanding. By promoting awareness, early intervention, and a compassionate approach to mental health, we can work towards creating a world where individuals feel empowered to nourish their bodies and minds in a positive and sustainable way.