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DISORDERED EATING

WHAT IS DISORDERED EATING?

There's a lot of confusion on what disordered eating behaviours consist of, as well as how to know if you or someone you care about has disordered eating or an eating disorder.

There are a wide range of irregular and binge eating behaviours and not all of them meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder but still cause distress or harm. This can include things like skipping meals, extreme dieting, emotional eating, or feeling guilty after eating certain foods. 

HOW TO RECOGNIZE DISORDERED EATING BEHAVIOURS

Unlike diagnosed eating disorders, disordered eating doesn’t always have a clear label, which can make it harder to recognize. 
 

However, the irregular eating behaviors of disordered eating can still have a significant impact on a person’s mental and physical health. Understanding what disordered eating is can help you recognize disordered eating patterns in yourself or others so you can take steps to address them. 


It’s important to remember that disordered eating and eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and that getting someone to seek treatment early on is the key to preventing more serious health problems.

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What Are the Symptoms of Disordered Eating?

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The symptoms of disordered eating can vary widely, but there are some common signs to look out for on a regular basis. These might include frequent dieting, overeating in response to stress, or using food as a way to cope with emotions. 

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Other symptoms can include feeling out of control around food, restricting certain foods or food groups, or having rigid rules about eating. People with disordered eating might also focus a lot on their weight, body shape, or calories. These behaviors can lead to physical issues like fatigue, digestive problems, low heart rate, or nutrient deficiencies, as well as emotional struggles like anxiety, shame, or low self-esteem.

Are You At Risk For Disordered Eating?

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The specific criteria of disordered eating is a complex issue that arises from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these causes and risk factors can help you recognize and address disordered eating patterns early on.

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One significant factor is genetic predisposition. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, individuals with a family history of eating disorders or disordered eating are more likely to develop similar patterns themselves. This genetic link underscores the importance of being aware of one's family history of mental illness when considering your own eating behaviors.

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Sociocultural pressures also play a crucial role in creating disordered eating patterns. The societal emphasis on thinness, body weight, diet pills and beauty can lead to feeling dissatisfied with your body and body image, which in turn can trigger disordered eating.  Media influence, with its portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards and constant dieting advice, further exacerbates this issue.

How To Know If Your Eating Is "Normal"

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Understanding normal eating is crucial for identifying disordered eating and eating disorders. By comparing your eating habits with how you eat normally, you can better recognize potential issues and symptoms as well as the need for professional help or therapy at recovery centers like Westwind Counseling.

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Taking a disordered eating quiz, or assessment, can help you identify whether your eating habits might be a sign of a deeper issue. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting the help you need.

HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS DISORDERED EATING

Trauma is another critical factor that can lead to disordered eating and an eating disorder. Experiencing emotional or physical abuse can increase the risk of developing disordered eating as a coping mechanism. Similarly, the American Psychiatric Association states that mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are closely linked to disordered eating behaviors. These conditions can lead to using food as a way to manage emotions, resulting in irregular eating patterns. 

Dieting, especially restrictive dieting, can also lead to disordered eating. The cycle of restriction and binge eating and vomiting is a common pattern that many people fall into. Understanding these risk factors can help in identifying and addressing disordered eating before it escalates into a more severe eating disorder.

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TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS

Now that you've answered - what is disordered eating? - you may be wondering at this point: Are eating disorders and disordered eating the same thing?  And when does disordered eating become an eating disorder?

The answer is that while every eating order contains some form of disordered eating, not all disordered eating is an eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have severe physical and emotional consequences.

Here are the most common types of eating disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa

This disorder is characterized by restrictive eating and significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading them to severely limit their food intake.

Binge Eating Disorder

This disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating without purging. Individuals with binge eating disorder often feel a lack of control during these episodes and may experience feelings of guilt or shame afterward.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. This disorder can cause severe physical health issues, including electrolyte imbalances and gastrointestinal problems.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID involves restrictive eating due to a lack of interest in food or sensory sensitivities. Unlike anorexia nervosa, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but can still lead to significant nutritional deficiencies.

Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED)

This diagnosis is for individuals who do not meet the full criteria for another eating disorder but still exhibit significant disordered eating behaviors. OSFED can include a variety of symptoms and patterns that cause distress and impairment.

Understanding these different types of eating disorders and using a screening tool can help you recognize the signs to seek appropriate treatment at Westwind Counseling and the right support network. If you choose to use a screening tool, please keep in mind that many clients do not fit the exact diagnostic criteria. Regardless of the struggle, and what you fit or don’t fit, if the eating pattern is impacting your life, recovery is important and Westwind is the appropriate treatment for all eating disorders, including disordered eating.

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HOW WILL DISORDERED EATING AFFECT ME?

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Disordered eating can have severe physical and emotional consequences that affect various aspects of your life. One of the most immediate impacts is malnutrition. Disordered eating can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, a poor diet, or even an eating disorder that results in health problems such as fatigue, weakness, and poor wound healing.

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Mental health problems are also closely linked to disordered eating. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can both contribute to and result from disordered eating behaviors. This creates a vicious cycle where emotional struggles and disordered eating reinforce each other.

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Physical health problems are also a major concern if you do not get enough nourishment. Disordered eating can increase your risk of conditions such as osteoporosis & bone loss, high blood pressure and heart problems, and digestive issues. In severe cases, disordered eating can lead to death through malnutrition or suicide.

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Physical health problems are also a major concern if you do not eat food properly. Disordered eating can increase your risk of conditions such as osteoporosis & bone loss, high blood pressure and heart problems, and digestive issues. In severe cases, disordered eating can lead to death through malnutrition or suicide.

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Recognizing the impact and consequences of disordered eating is crucial if you're going to understand the importance of seeking help and addressing these behaviors early on.

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WHERE TO GET HELP FOR DISORDERED EATING

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If you or someone you care about is struggling with disordered eating, it’s important to seek support. 

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Working with a Registered Dietitian and counsellor can help give you guidance to help understand the emotional and psychological factors maintaining your struggle.

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At Westwind Counselling, we offer a safe space where you can explore these issues and work toward a healthier relationship with food. Our experienced counsellors can help you develop a balanced approach to eating and address any underlying emotional challenges. Remember, getting help is a sign of strength, and taking the first step toward recovery can lead to a healthier, happier life. 

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & INFORMATION

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Along with seeking help through Westwind Counselling, please free to check out the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) or the  National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) for additional information, referrals and support to people in Canada affected by eating disorders. Binge Eating Disorder is a serious condition, but recovery is possible with the right support. 

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National eating resources are crucial in providing comprehensive support and information about the consequences of disordered eating and eating disorders. They emphasize the need to get professional help from registered dietitian nutritionists in identifying and treating these issues and disorders.

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HELPING SOMEONE WITH DISORDERED EATING

If you suspect that someone you know is struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, then it’s essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and support. Here are some tips for helping someone with disordered eating:

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Encourage them to seek professional help: Disordered eating is a serious mental health condition that requires professional treatment. Encourage the individual to seek help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in eating disorders.

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Listen without judgment: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for the individual to talk about their struggles with food and body image. Listening with empathy can help them feel understood and supported.

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Avoid criticism or blame: Avoid criticizing or blaming the individual for their disordered eating behaviors. Instead, focus on offering support and understanding

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Focus on overall health: Encourage the individual to focus on overall health and well-being, rather than just weight or appearance. Promote nourishment and self-care practices.

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Support their treatment plan: Offer to support the individual in their treatment plan, such as attending therapy sessions for eating disorders or helping with meal planning. Being involved in their recovery process can provide additional motivation and encouragement.

Helping someone with disordered eating requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to supporting their journey toward recovery.

PREVENTION AND AWARENESS

Preventing disordered eating requires a comprehensive approach that involves education, awareness, and support. Here are some strategies you can use to prevent disordered eating and eating disorders:

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Promote positive body image: Encourage individuals to develop a positive body image by promoting self-acceptance and self-esteem. Challenge societal beauty standards and emphasize the importance of inner qualities over appearance.

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Encourage healthy eating habits: Encourage individuals to develop a new relationship with food, such as challenging restriction and restraint and gaining food freedom. Focus on the nutritional value of food rather than calorie counting.

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Provide education and awareness: Provide education and awareness about disordered eating and eating disorders, including the signs, symptoms, and treatment options. Educating people about these issues can help in early recognition and intervention.

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​​Support mental health: Support mental health by promoting stress management, self-care, and emotional regulation. Encourage individuals to seek help for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, which can contribute to disordered eating.

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Encourage open communication: Encourage open communication about food, body image, and mental health to help prevent disordered eating. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable discussing these topics can lead to early intervention and support.

By implementing these strategies, we can work toward preventing disordered eating and eating disorders by promoting a healthier relationship with food and body image.

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