Disordered eating refers to a wide range of abnormal eating behaviours that may not necessarily meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder diagnosis but still have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental health. This may include restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, or a combination of these behaviours.

Disordered eating patterns can lead to:

• Weight fluctuations

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Mental and emotional distress, including anxiety and depression

• Worsening body image issues

• Low self-esteem

• Eating disorders

• Worsening of chronic health conditions

What’s the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders?

Eating disorders are diagnosable mental health conditions, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, characterised by extreme disturbances in eating habits and a preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape.

An individual with disordered eating may exhibit some symptoms of eating disorders but does not meet the full criteria for a diagnosis.

It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating to prevent it from escalating into a more severe eating disorder.

Unfortunately, disordered eating is not often recognised in conventional medicine. In fact, it can often be perpetuated due to weight stigma.

Weight stigma refers to negative attitudes and beliefs that are directed towards individuals based on their body weight. This discrimination can occur in various settings, including healthcare, workplaces, and social interactions.

Weight stigma can lead to serious consequences, such as low self-esteem, depression, and disordered eating behaviours. It is important to challenge these harmful stereotypes and promote body acceptance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their size or weight.

Intuitive eating includes:

• Identifying and reframing dieting mindsets and behaviours such as black-and-white thinking, restrict-binge cycle and using exercise as compensation for eating.

• Creating holistic nutrition and lifestyle habits that support your body to feel nourished, balanced and thrive.

• Practicing mindfulness and mindful eating to notice your body’s communication such as its hunger and fullness cues, and what feels nourishing and what doesn’t so that you can eat well naturally.

• A sustainable eating and movement approach that improve long-term health outcomes.