Eating disorders and disordered eating are actually different from one another. In overview, an eating disorder is a clinical diagnosis, whereas disordered eating is not. Disordered eating refers to abnormal eating patterns that do not meet the criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis. Someone with an eating disorder may exhibit disordered eating behaviors, but not all people with disordered eating will be diagnosed with an eating disorder.
It’s helpful to think of a spectrum of eating, with “normal” intuitive eating on one end and eating disorders on the other. Disordered eating falls somewhere in between the two, whereas eating disorders are an extreme form of disordered eating. The difference often lies in the severity and frequency of symptoms. This does not mean that disordered eating is not serious. Eating disorders are often more recognizable and represent diagnosable conditions. Disordered eating can often be more subtle, making it more difficult to recognize or, at times, more challenging to address. However, disordered eating can contribute to the development and onset of an eating disorder. Cases of eating disorders are on the rise: new research shows that “rates of the ED visits that led to hospital admissions were stable before the pandemic but increased from 22% to 149% during the pandemic.”
Eating Disorders:
Eating disorders are often evidenced by extreme concerns related to eating behaviors, body weight, and body image. An eating disorder is a serious mental illness that needs intensive treatment and support for recovery. Eating disorders are not a choice, and they can impact people of any age, race, sex, size, or background. There are many influences that may lead to the diagnosis of an eating disorder, including genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors.
Eating disorder behaviors typically look like:
Disordered Eating:
Disordered eating involves behaviors that limit choices, restrict food intake, lead to discomfort, cause a sense of being out of control, or create negative emotions such as shame or guilt. A person with disordered eating may not completely obsess over their food, but they will frequently have significant anxiety surrounding food. They may obsessively monitor their daily calorie intake, exercise incessantly at the gym, or avoid social events that involve food. Disordered eating is not a clinical diagnosis. The term refers to a type of abnormal eating behavior that occurs on a regular basis and has the potential to become dangerous.
Disordered eating typically looks like:
7 differences in disordered eating vs. eating disorders:
1. Choice and Control
2. Hunger Cues
3. Emotional Relationship to Food
4. Thoughts
5. Social Life
6. Body Image
7. Cooking
No matter where you are in your relationship with food, we hope this article helped shed some light on the differences between eating disorders and disordered eating. Remember, if you need support in making peace with food and your body, we’re here for you. With compassion and care, our team of certified dietitians can help you start your recovery journey today. Contact us to get started.
As a reminder, the Branz Nutrition blog is nutritional information, not medical nutrition therapy or professional consultation. Branz Nutrition cannot provide medical nutrition therapy to individuals who are not our patients. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please schedule an appointment with our team.
