So, What’s an Eating Disorder Anyway?
What Is an Eating Disorder—Really?
Historically, the media has portrayed eating disorders as a desire to be thin or an unwillingness to eat, often by someone visibly underweight. This narrow and inaccurate stereotype has done serious harm. Many individuals—women and men alike—don’t seek help because they “don’t look like” they have an eating disorder. And when they do finally ask for help, some are told, "You don’t need it."
Can you imagine working up the courage to seek support for something that’s been your coping mechanism for years—only to be dismissed?
A Broader Understanding
After nearly a decade of working with women in eating disorder recovery, I can tell you firsthand: eating disorders do not have a look. These individuals come in all body shapes and sizes. They are often intelligent, resilient, and deeply compassionate.
So, what is an eating disorder, really?
An eating disorder is a coping strategy. It’s often a way to manage emotional pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties. And like other maladaptive coping mechanisms—such as substance use or self-harm—it can feel protective, even when it becomes dangerous.
Diagnostic Categories of Eating Disorders
According to the DSM-5, there are several formally recognized eating disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by restriction of food intake, low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image. Purging through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise can also be present.
Bulimia Nervosa: Marked by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. Often includes a sense of being out of control.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Similar to Bulimia but without the purging. Episodes of overeating are frequent and emotionally distressing.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED, formerly EDNOS): Makes up over 50% of eating disorder diagnoses. These individuals use a combination of disordered behaviors that don’t meet full criteria for the above diagnoses but are still very serious and dangerous.
Common symptoms include:
Calorie counting and restriction
Over-exercise
Vomiting or laxative use
Diet pill or diuretic use
Chewing and spitting food
The Harm of Stereotypes
Many people struggling with eating disorders are invalidated because they don’t “fit the mold.” One of the most heartbreaking things clients have shared is being told, “But you don’t LOOK like you have an eating disorder.”
These comments don’t help—they hurt. They reinforce shame and feed the very illness people are trying to fight.
Thankfully, public figures like Demi Lovato and Ke$ha have spoken openly about their experiences. This visibility helps reduce stigma and reminds others that they’re not alone.
What You Can Do
If you know someone who may be struggling, here’s how you can show up:
Ask open-ended questions
Listen without judgment
Offer empathy and patience
Your role isn’t to fix or diagnose—it’s to support.
We’re Here for You
Eating disorders are serious—and they’re also treatable.
If you or someone you love may be struggling, reach out to us today for a free phone consultation. You don’t have to do this alone.
