MIND BODY CO-OP THERAPY, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT & NUTRITION COUNSELING
What is Disordered Eating?
Clinically reviewed by Amber Rosalez, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C
Do you feel a loss of control when you’re around food?
Do you skip meals, or do you rigidly restrict your food intake?
Are you consumed with thoughts about your body shape or your weight?
Many people are aware of what an eating disorder is, but disordered eating may sound less familiar. Disordered eating is not a diagnosis but a phrase used to describe a range of problematic eating behaviors. The signs and symptoms of disordered eating are similar to those of an eating disorder, although they will vary with frequency and severity.
While disordered eating may not result in the extreme symptoms seen in a diagnosable eating disorder, it has the potential to negatively impact a person’s life. For example, someone who has a challenging relationship with food may miss work, school, or personal events because of anxiety or discomfort around food or because of an obsessive exercise routine. Their obsession with food and exercise may affect their ability to focus or concentrate, impacting their performance at work or school.
Disordered eating can also take a mental and physical toll on a person. Negative self-thinking can impact their mental health, and their poor eating habits can affect them physically, such as their cardiovascular and intestinal health. Disordered eating also puts the individual at high risk of developing an eating disorder.
Signs you may be suffering from disordered eating
- Frequent dieting or obsessive calorie counting
- Rigid food restriction or skipping meals
- Feeling anxiety, guilt, or shame about certain foods or food in general
- Obsessive exercising or exercise to “punish” for overeating
- Binging and/or purging
- Self-worth or self-esteem because of your weight or body shape and weight
- Feeling out of control around food
What causes people to engage in harmful eating habits can be complex and vary per the individual. Individual therapy can help people examine their past to understand what led to these behaviors and learn to accept and love themselves as they are. You can also work together with a therapist to create healthier habits and develop coping mechanisms for difficult cues or triggers.
If you’re struggling with your relationship with food and need support and guidance, our Registered Dietitian, Amber Rosalez can help you create healthier habits for both your body and mind. Give our office a call today, and let’s schedule a time to talk.
Supporting someone you love? Read our guide: How to Support a Loved One With an Eating Disorder.
How to Get Started
We are accepting new patients. Most major insurance plans accepted.
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Your first visit
Meet in person at our Lakeview or Loop office, or by secure telehealth from anywhere in Illinois.
Lakeview: 3209 N Lakewood Ave | Loop: 30 N Michigan Ave, Suite 424 | Telehealth: anywhere in Illinois, 7 days a week
Questions? Call or text (872) 274-4344 or email info@mindbodycoopchicago.com. We get back to you within one business day.