What is Disordered Eating?

Far more common and widespread than defined eating disorders are atypical eating patterns, or disordered eating. Disordered eating refers to troublesome eating behaviors, such as restrictive dieting, rigid use of fat free foods, a daily skipping of breakfast or other meals, emotional eating and occasional bingeing -- all of which occur less frequently or are less severe than those required to meet the full criteria for the diagnosis of an eating disorder.

Disordered eating can be changes in eating patterns that occur in relation to a stressful event, an illness, personal appearance, or in preparation for an athletic competition. If disordered eating becomes sustained, distressing, or begins to interfere with everyday activities, then it may require professional evaluation.