Let’s get real for a minute. This year marks the first time I’ve decided not to set a weight loss resolution—something I’ve done year after year. My routine involved crafting a plan, aiming for a goal, and shedding those pounds—whatever it took. Sure, I was mindful of my food choices, and okay, I may have weighed myself a bit more than I’d admit. But if you had asked me whether I thought I had an eating disorder, I’d have laughed it off. After all, I wasn’t underweight, right? Spoiler alert: I was totally mistaken.
It took me a long time to grasp the delicate boundary between healthy habits and disordered eating. I learned that sometimes, what seems like a healthy routine can actually be a sign of an eating disorder. While many people are familiar with anorexia and bulimia, there are lesser-known disorders that warrant our attention—like binge-eating disorder, orthorexia, and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder). These conditions don’t often get the spotlight they deserve, yet they can lead to serious consequences if ignored. So, let’s dive into what they are, the symptoms associated with them, and where you can find support.
Eating Disorders Can Look Different on Everyone
Remember when Jamie Lee talked about her experience with atypical anorexia and the backlash she faced? Eating disorders are a mental health issue that can show up in different physical forms. Not everyone with anorexia looks emaciated, and not everyone who binge eats is overweight. This is especially true for lesser-known disorders like orthorexia and OSFED.
Orthorexia is a sneaky one because its signs are often celebrated by diet culture. There’s nothing wrong with choosing nutritious foods, but when it spirals into an obsession, it can signal deeper issues. Diet culture can label food as “good” or “bad,” and if you find yourself strictly sticking to your “good” list while shaming yourself for any deviations, that’s a red flag. Food is an essential part of life, but it shouldn’t dictate your life. If you’re avoiding social gatherings because you can’t control the food or feel embarrassed to eat around others, it’s time to chat with your healthcare provider.
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder) is another condition that’s often misunderstood. Many believe it’s not serious and doesn’t require treatment, but I can tell you from experience that’s far from the truth. Seeking help is crucial for recovery. Those damaging thoughts and behaviors around food don’t just disappear; they often linger, especially in a society that assigns moral values to food and body shapes.
Exercise and Food Aren’t Your Enemies—Toxic Diet Culture Is
I’ve had my own battles with body image, disordered eating, and unhealthy exercise routines for most of my life. The kicker? You wouldn’t have guessed it. I was an average-sized person, sometimes even described as curvy or a bit overweight, but never close to being underweight. But what you didn’t see were the moments my heart raced when I felt faint from not eating all day. Or the secret journal where I meticulously logged every single bite I took, always sticking to my plan. It sounds irrational, right? That’s because it was. It was the mindset of someone who desperately needed guidance from a therapist and a nutritionist to break free from harmful eating patterns.
If any of this resonates with you or if you’ve ever questioned whether your struggles are “bad enough” to seek help—this is your cue. Don’t wait until your symptoms overwhelm you. Just like everything in life, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone deserves support and the chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
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In summary, it’s crucial to shine a light on the less-discussed eating disorders that can have profound effects on individuals. Recognizing and understanding these disorders can pave the way for healing and support. Remember, you’re not alone in this.
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