30 Chapter 2: Basic Nutrition Eating Disorders / Disordered Eating While nurturing our bodies through sound nutrition and exercise is wise practice, we must recognize there is a fine line between a healthy relationship with food and exercise and a disordered one. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for some individuals to innocently embark upon a weight loss journey and end up with an eating disorder. Disordered eating can lead to serious health complications like malnourishment and altered levels of various bodily hormones. A listing of various types of eating and psychological disorders is provided in Table 2.14 (Fink & Mikesky, 2021). Table 2.14. Various Types of Eating and Psychological Disorders Associated with Body Image Eating Disorder Description Anorexia Nervosa A clinical condition characterized by extreme fear of becoming obese, a distorted body image, and avoidance of food. Bulimia Nervosa A clinical condition characterized by repeated and uncontrolled food binging in which a large number of calories are consumed followed by an immediate purge (e.g., vomiting or use of laxatives / diuretics). Binge Eating Disorder A clinical condition characterized by the inability to control what or how much food is being consumed. Muscle Dysmorphia A psychological disorder characterized by a negative body image and obsessive desire to have a muscular physique. Anorexia Athletica A subclinical condition characterized by inappropriate eating behaviors and weight control methods to prevent weight and/or fat gain. Although the condition does not meet the clinical criteria for an eating disorder, the associated behaviors can lead to a clinically recognized eating disorder. Female Athlete Triad A condition characterized by the combination of disordered eating, amenorrhea (absence or abnormal cessation of menstruation), and osteoporosis. Some of the key warning signs of disordered eating include: • Obsessing over calories • Constantly tracking food and/or exercise • Withdrawing from social situations involving food • Feeling out of control about food • Believing food must be earned through exercise • Only eating “clean” • Disordered view of body image • Extreme desire to be thin Weight is not the only clinical risk factor for developing an eating disorder. For example, certain personality types, sports, and professions can be more likely to develop eating disorders
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