Disordered Eating: More than just Anorexia/Bulimia
Some people think that disordered eating patterns
that are not the result of a specific eating disorder are less serious than symptoms
of disorders like anorexia nervosa. Others note that individual cases
of disordered eating may involve serious problems with food and body image. Additionally, certain types of disordered eating
can include symptoms from both classic cases of anorexia and bulimia, making the disordered eating as dangerous as regular
eating disorders.
Some counselors are specialized in dealing
with disordered eating patterns. The recognition that some people have eating problems that do not fit into the scope of regular
specific eating disorders makes it possible for a larger proportion of people who have eating problems to receive help.
Disordered Eating Patterns May Include:
Extensive knowledge about food
and its energy/fat content, frequent weighing, over exercising, preoccupation with weight, body image, and other food issues,
eating only certain types of food, rapid fluctuation in weight, and chronic dieting.
Risk
factors include:
Being female, feeling
a lack of control and a need for perfection, peer and societal
pressure to be thin, early maturation, and female athletes.
