Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders: They’re Not the Same

Language can be tough. Sometimes, two things sound the same. But in reality, they’re not. Like calling something childish versus childlike. The root words are the same. But the meanings are different.

That’s the case with disordered eating versus eating disorders. They sound similar, but they’re not the same. And knowing the difference can help you take the best care of yourself and your loved ones.

Disordered eating vs. eating disorders

The difference between disordered eating and eating disorders lies in the details.

“Eating disorders are psychiatric diagnoses that have very specific criteria for people meeting them,” says psychologist and weight management specialist Leslie Heinberg, PhD.

Disordered eating, on the other hand, describes a problematic and unhealthy relationship with food that doesn’t rise to the level of an eating disorder. At least not yet.

Dr. Heinberg explains further.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are diagnosed mental health conditions that affect your relationship with food.

Diagnosing an eating disorder, or any mental health issue, isn’t a simple task. Human behavior is complicated. It’s nuanced. And just like depression isn’t the same as everyday sadness, eating disorders aren’t as simple as not eating.

Mental health professionals use The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR) to diagnose eating disorders (as well as other mental health and brain conditions).

There are five eating disorders described in the DSM-5-TR:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
• Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSF)

To be diagnosed with an eating disorder, someone needs to engage in a very specific set of behaviors, often for a set amount of time.

Disordered eating

Disordered eating refers to unhealthy behaviors and feelings surrounding food that may share some characteristics of an eating disorder. But a person engaging in disordered eating doesn’t meet the full criteria set out in the DSM-5-TR to be diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Some of those behaviors may include things like severely restricting calories or binge eating. But the frequency, duration and other factors associated with food behaviors matter, too.

“For example, someone with binge eating disorder engages in binge eating at least once a week for three months or longer,” Dr. Heinberg shares. “Someone who engages in binge eating once a week for two months doesn’t fit the criteria for diagnosis. But their behaviors may still be concerning, unhealthy and require treatment. We call that disordered eating.”

Disordered eating can be a precursor to an eating disorder. But not always. Some people may engage in disordered eating but never cross the threshold to a diagnosable eating disorder. Others may overcome an unhealthy relationship with food. And for others, disordered eating behaviors may continue as they recover from a diagnosed eating disorder.

And while disordered eating isn’t a diagnosis itself, people living with disordered eating can and should be evaluated by healthcare professionals and seek treatment. More on that in a bit.

Telling the difference

You need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. They’ll review your history and compare it to the criteria set in the DSM-5-TR. If your behaviors and relationship with food are concerning — regardless of whether they fit the criteria for an eating disorder — they can recommend treatment.

What are they looking for?

Each eating disorder has its own set of criteria, based on significant scientific research. Criteria may include food-related behaviors, distress associated with the disorder and physical symptoms, like low body weight.

Let’s take bulimia nervosa, for example. The DSM-5-TR defines bulimia nervosa as having these four behaviors and characteristics:

• Binging: Eating an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances
• Losing control: A sense of a lack of control overeating during the episode (such as feeling that you can’t stop eating or control what or how much you’re eating)
• Compensating: Engaging in recurring harmful behaviors to prevent weight gain (like self-induced vomiting, misusing laxatives or other medications, fasting or engaging in excessive exercise)
• Outlook: Considering your self-worth as being highly influenced by your body shape or weight

If each and every one of those criteria is met, that’s bulimia nervosa. If you don’t fit all the criteria, but you’re engaging in some of these unhealthy behaviors and feelings, it’ll likely be defined as disordered eating.

But, Dr. Heinberg points out, there’s one caveat. Purging — making yourself vomit or otherwise ridding your body of food, like through misusing laxatives, is a behavior that should always be managed as an eating disorder.

“Purging is never part of a healthy lifestyle or healthy relationship with food,” she stresses.

Treating disordered eating and eating disorders

If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of disordered eating or an eating disorder, treatment is available. And it can make a big difference.

“Early treatment is associated with the best results for eating disorders and disordered eating,” Dr. Heinberg advises.

In other words, it’s never too early. And it’s never too late to get help.

Eating disorders and disordered eating can take a big toll on your physical health, as well as your mental and emotional well-being. It can be isolating and stressful. And it can have a major impact on your body.

Talk with a healthcare provider, like a primary care provider or mental health provider, about your concerns. Treatment, like nutritional counseling, mental health care and medications, can help you to live a healthier, happier, freer life.