Disordered Eating

Unlike clinical eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, disordered eating may not always meet the official diagnostic criteria for a specific eating disorder but still poses significant risks and challenges to physical and mental health.

Disordered eating can manifest as restrictive eating, binge eating, compulsive exercising, or laxative use. Disordered eating patterns often co-exist with psychological distress, low self-esteem, and distorted body image.

Although there may be many reasons behind the development of disordered eating, in my experience societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and body ideals often contributes to the development and perpetuation of disordered eating patterns.

Many clients have contacted me to discuss this issue, the first thing they often say is “I have never told anyone this…”. There is a perceived stigma and shame around this issue. Many individuals may hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

Disordered eating patterns (and especially restrictive eating) can make you feel out of control and anxious. A great example of this is from a client I saw recently, he said to me “I don’t understand how I can eat perfectly all day and go to the gym, and then come 9pm I am eating everything in the cupboard”.

Disordered eating patterns should be taken very seriously. Often individuals may be so preoccupied with food, or achieving their body image goals, that they end up missing out on key nutrients because they may eliminate certain foods from their diet. This can have significant long term health implications.

There is a grey space between the clinical definitions of eating disorders which many people feel trapped in. To some people even using the term “disordered eating” may feel too much. But if you feel any discomfort with food, or your relationship with food feels as if it is holding you back in life, please feel free to reach out to explore how nutritional therapy may be able to help you.

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If you want to get any general advice or support on eating disorders you can also check out: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/