Eating Disorders

• What is an Eating Disorder?
• Warning Signs
• Types of Eating Disorders
• Risk Factors
• Classifying Eating Disorders
• Disordered Eating
  • Normal Eating
• Dieting
• Eating Disorders and Children
• Eating Disorders and Adolescents
• Eating Disorders and Males
• Eating Disorders and Older People
• If You Think You May Have an Eating Disorder
• Treatment Information
• For Health Professionals
• Eating Disorders and Other Health Problems

Disordered eating refers to a wide range of abnormal eating behaviours, such as chronic restrained eating, compulsive eating and habitual dieting. Disordered eating includes irregular, chaotic eating patterns which may reflect some but not all symptoms of recognised eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. Behaviours or relationships with food which are obsessive, irregular or chaotic may fall under the category of disordered eating when they cause a level of discomfort or disruption to a person’s life.

Disordered eating negatively impacts a person’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing. While a behavioural pattern may not fall under a specified category of eating disorder, doesn’t mean it cannot have a widespread and destructive impact on a person’s life. Disordered eating patterns may lead to fatigue, depression, malnutrition or decreased concentration, depending on the nature of the behaviour. 

Last Updated: February 2009