DISORDERED EATING
Disordered Eating is problematic and should be addressed as individuals with Disordered Eating may be at risk for developing an eating disorder.
It includes fad or crash diets which can lead to later weight gain and more yo-yo dieting. Diets that are too restrictive typically lead to binge eating behaviors later. Research indicates that individuals who repeat diet/weight gain cycles have increased health risk factors and overall higher weight than non-diet counterparts. There is often guilt and shame associated with eating “bad” foods resulting in restricting certain foods or fasting “to make up for it”
Disordered Eating can include excessive exercise with efforts to burn calories rather than focusing on physical activities that are enjoyable. Individuals might weigh daily or several times a day and alter their food intake based on the scale number.
There is also negative body talk which includes demeaning statements about one’s body and being self-critical. Comparison against others is common and increases the individual’s anxiety, depression and social isolation.