Disordered Eating

Disordered Eating

Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviours that may not meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder but still significantly impact an individual’s physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. These behaviours often involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and weight management.

Warning Signs:

  • Unhealthy Eating Patterns: Frequent skipping of meals, extreme dieting, or eating excessively in a short period
  • Preoccupation with Food and Weight: Obsessive thoughts about calories, dieting, or body image
  • Emotional Eating: Using food to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional distress
  • Physical Symptoms: Noticeable fluctuations in weight, gastrointestinal issues, or signs of nutrient deficiencies
  • Social Withdrawal: Avoidance of social situations involving food or increased isolation due to eating behaviours

Risks:

  • Physical Health Issues: Potential for malnutrition, gastrointestinal problems, and imbalanced nutrition
  • Mental Health Concerns: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
  • Developmental Impact: In children and adolescents, disordered eating can affect growth and cognitive development
  • Functional Impairment: Impact on daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life due to unhealthy eating behaviours

Therapy Options:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviours related to food and body image
  • Nutritional Counselling: Provides guidance on developing healthy eating habits utilising Health at Every Size model (HAES) which focuses on a weight-neutral view of health and aims to stop disordered behaviours
  • Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Helps individuals become more aware of their eating behaviours and develop a healthier relationship with food

Seeking professional help is important for recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, don’t hesitate to contact us for support. Therapy and treatment can offer a pathway to recovery, helping you or your loved one build a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

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