Understanding Lesser-Discussed Eating Disorders
The rise of the internet has brought greater attention to eating disorders. While social media can be a triggering and challenging space for those struggling, some influencers bravely share their recovery stories, offering hope to those in need. However, despite this growing awareness, many eating disorders remain overlooked, often due to misconceptions about how they should look like. In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness week, this blog aims to shed light on lesser-known eating disorders, breaking down stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFRID)
ARFID is a unique eating disorder characterized by the avoidance or restriction of certain foods. While it may seem similar to anorexia, ARFID differs in that it does not involve body image concerns. Instead, individuals with ARFID avoid foods due to fears of choking, poisoning, or even death. They may also avoid foods based on texture, flavor, or odor. This avoidance leads to a limited variety of foods consumed, which can negatively impact proper body function and growth, particularly in children. Social isolation may also occur as individuals with ARFID struggle to consume foods outside their perceived “safe” category.
To learn more about AFRID and how we can help click here.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
Someone with OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) doesn’t quite fit the criteria for a specific eating disorder, but they’re dealing with many symptoms found in various eating disorders. It’s important to understand that OSFED is just as serious and comes with its own set of complexities, even if it doesn’t neatly align with disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. It’s important to understand that the struggles and risks associated with OSFED are just as valid and deserving of attention and support. Some signs and symptoms include:
- Restricting calories or engaging in self-starvation
- Episodes of binge eating or loss of control during eating
- Purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or diuretics
- Distorted body image perceptions
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating disorder occurs when someone regularly eats large amounts of food in a short time frame, feeling like they can’t control their eating. Skipping meals or trying strict diets can make these episodes worse, leading to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and negative body image. It creates an unhealthy relationship with food that affects both physical and mental well-being. This negatively impacts one’s self-esteem, leads to metabolic disturbances and even physical discomfort such as bloating, cramps, and constipation.
For more information about Binge Eating Disorder and how we can help click here.
Emotional eating
Emotional eating is when someone turns to food to cope with emotions, often consuming large amounts in response to feelings of stress, sadness, boredom, loneliness, or anxiety. While it’s normal to seek comfort in food occasionally, relying on it for emotional relief can become problematic. This habit may offer only temporary comfort and, when persistent, can negatively affect both physical and emotional well-being. Such consequences may include nutritional imbalances, diminished self-esteem, and the risk of chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
For more information about Emotional Eating and our services click here.
Chronic dieting
Chronic dieting involves repeatedly trying out restrictive eating plans or trendy diets to lose weight. This involves having an all-or-nothing mentality towards food and labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and even eliminating certain food groups completely. Often, this leads to short-term successes followed by weight regain, which can be frustrating and disheartening. It may also affect both physical and emotional well-being negatively. This is less seen as an eating disorder by many, however, chronic dieting tends to create an unhealthy focus on food, disrupt natural hunger cues, and strain one’s relationship with eating habits.
For more information about Chronic Dieting and our services click here.
Orthorexia
Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with healthy eating. Individuals with orthorexia categorize foods as either “good” or “bad” and may eliminate entire food groups from their diet. They meticulously examine food ingredients and spend considerable time planning meals. This preoccupation can lead to anxiety, particularly in social situations where food choices may be limited. Severe restriction of caloric intake can result in outcomes similar to those seen in anorexia nervosa, including significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
