The Difference Between Disordered Eating and an Eating Disorder
When it comes to food and body image, the terms disordered eating and eating disorder are sometimes used interchangeably - but they are not the same. Understanding the difference, is key to recognising when to seek help and how to support recovery for all bodies, regardless of shape or size.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating includes a broad range of irregular or disruptive eating behaviours and attitudes that don’t necessarily meet clinical criteria for an eating disorder but can still cause harm to physical and mental health. Examples include:
Restrictive dieting, skipping meals or fasting
Occasional binge eating
Feelings of guilt or anxiety around food
Preoccupation with body shape or weight
Research shows disordered eating behaviours are common and can affect people of all sizes, ages, and genders. While disordered eating might not require a formal diagnosis, it can still negatively impact quality of life and, if untreated, sometimes progress to a full eating disorder.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions characterised by persistent and severe disturbances in eating behaviours, thoughts, and emotions. Common types include:
Anorexia nervosa: restricting food intake as a result of heightened anxiety around gaining weight.
Bulimia nervosa: cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
Binge eating disorder: frequent episodes of uncontrollable overeating without regular compensatory behaviours.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): characterised by limited food intake or avoidance based on sensory sensitivity, fear of adverse consequences, or lack of interest in eating - without concerns about body weight or shape.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): eating disorders that cause significant distress or impairment but don’t meet full criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. OSFED is actually one of the most common diagnoses and includes varied presentations.
Orthorexia nervosa: an emerging term describing an unhealthy obsession with “healthy” or “clean” eating that leads to rigid behaviours and distress, although it is not yet officially recognised as a formal diagnosis.
Eating disorders have specific diagnostic criteria in clinical manuals such as the DSM-5 and often require multidisciplinary treatment, including medical monitoring, therapy, and nutrition support.
Importantly, research confirms that eating disorders do not discriminate by body size. People living in higher-weight bodies experience eating disorders at similar or even higher rates than those in smaller bodies, but they are often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to weight stigma and bias in healthcare.
Why Weight-Neutral Language and Approaches Matter
Weight stigma and bias create barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Individuals in larger bodies may be misdiagnosed or have their concerns dismissed because their eating disorder symptoms don’t fit narrow stereotypes. This can delay care and worsen outcomes.
The Health at Every Size® (HAES®) framework offers a weight-neutral, inclusive approach that focuses on behaviours and overall health rather than weight. HAES® promotes body respect, mental well-being, and sustainable health behaviours without centering weight loss as a goal. Evidence shows HAES®-informed care reduces disordered eating behaviours and improves psychological and physical health across body sizes.
Key Takeaways
Disordered eating and eating disorders are distinct but related: disordered eating involves irregular behaviours and attitudes that may or may not progress to a diagnosable eating disorder.
Early intervention is improtant: recognising disordered eating early can help prevent progression to an eating disorder. Awareness and timely support make a big difference.
Weight stigma impedes diagnosis and treatment: inclusive, weight-neutral language and care are essential for equitable treatment.
HAES® offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach: focusing on health behaviours and well-being instead of weight or appearance.
Where to Go From Here
If you notice any worrying patterns, whether disordered eating behaviours or signs of an eating disorder. It is important to reach out, early intervention can improve outcomes and recovery is possible for everyone, regardless of body size. Speak with a trusted healthcare professional, dietitian, or mental health worker who specialises in eating issues.
Eating issues affect people of all ages, genders, and body sizes, so no one should feel alone or ashamed in seeking help.
Need More Guidance?
For individualised advice and support, our dietitian Henrietta, with her passion for inclusive, client-centered care through the Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, is here to help!
To book an appointment, visit the link below or call us on 07 4566 0765.