Your relationship with food may not always be classified as a clinically diagnosable eating disorder, but you or those around you might notice concerning patterns of unhealthy behaviours related to food. It's important to understand that these behaviours can often be early indicators of eating disorders and should not be ignored.
If you're concerned about any of the following, it's advisable to consult your GP:
Additionally, individuals with Orthorexia may exhibit other compulsive behaviors, such as excessive or intense exercise.
Emotional overeating – Eating driven by emotions rather than physical hunger.
Compulsive overeating – This could be considered a milder form of Binge Eating Disorder.
A difficulty in maintaining a balanced relationship with food, regardless of any health issues or complications. This behavior can often, but not exclusively, stem from a desire to cope with emotional states.
Disordered eating refers to a variety of irregular eating habits that can also be part of the criteria used to diagnose an eating disorder.
The key difference between an eating disorder and 'disordered eating' lies in the severity and frequency of these behaviors. A person may engage in binge eating, purging, using laxatives or diet pills, or occasionally skipping meals, but not to the extent that it meets the criteria for a diagnosable eating disorder.
These behaviors are common, often triggered by a stressful life event or illness. In most cases, they are temporary, and the individual eventually returns to more typical eating patterns and behaviour's
It’s crucial to recognize when disordered eating may be evolving into a full-blown eating disorder, either for yourself or someone else. If it starts to affect daily life, relationships, or other aspects of behavior, it’s advisable to consult your GP or reach out to us for support.
As always, early intervention is key to prevent these behaviour's and thought patterns from becoming ingrained.
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