Eating concerns fall within a broad spectrum of eating-related feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. They very often start out well-intentioned; for example, eating more fruits and vegetables or starting a new gym routine. Often, a person might feel so great after making a lifestyle change such as this that they make another, and then another. It might seem healthy at first, but soon the person has less energy, has difficulty concentrating on work or classes, and becomes more irritable and socially isolated. Sometimes, these behaviors can develop into a clinical eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. The term “disordered eating” refers to unhealthy eating and/or exercise behaviors that can negatively impact one’s physical and psychological wellbeing,  but may not meet criteria for a clinical eating disorder.

Regardless of whether you or someone you care about meets diagnosis criteria for an eating disorder, anyone who finds themselves preoccupied with concerns about their eating or appearance is encouraged to seek help. Many people delay seeking help because they think they’re “not sick enough”, and by the time they do, the eating disorder has taken over their life. The sooner one seeks help, the sooner one can start to get their life back.