Let's Discuss Lesser-Known Eating Disorders: Here's Why It Matters

This year marks the first time I haven’t set a weight loss resolution. For years, my routine was the same: devise a plan, establish a goal, and lose weight—whatever it took. I was definitely aware of my eating habits. Did I secretly weigh myself multiple times a day? You bet. But if you asked me whether I thought I had an eating disorder, I would have laughed out loud. After all, I wasn’t underweight, right?

Spoiler alert: I was mistaken. It took me years to recognize the thin line between healthy habits and disordered eating. Often, what we consider healthy practices can actually be indicators of an eating disorder. While many people are familiar with anorexia and bulimia, there are others that are less talked about but just as serious, such as binge-eating disorder, orthorexia, and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder).

These lesser-known disorders can lead to severe consequences if overlooked and untreated. Let’s delve into what they are, their symptoms, and where to seek help.

Eating Disorders Vary for Everyone

Remember when Jamie Taylor discussed her journey with atypical anorexia and faced backlash for it? Eating disorders are a mental health crisis that can show up in various physical forms. Not everyone with anorexia appears emaciated, and not everyone with Binge Eating Disorder is overweight. This is especially true for less recognized eating disorders like orthorexia and OSFED.

Orthorexia

Orthorexia can be particularly damaging since many of its signs are idealized by diet culture. While it’s commendable to eat nourishing foods, taking it to extremes can signal deeper issues. The toxic diet culture has even created moral categories for food as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ If you find yourself only eating from your ‘good’ list and feeling guilty for deviating, it’s time to take a step back. Food should enhance life, not dictate it. If you’re avoiding social gatherings due to food anxiety or embarrassment, consider discussing it with a healthcare provider.

OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder)

OSFED, previously called ENDOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), is often misunderstood regarding its severity. Many believe it doesn’t require treatment, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As someone who has battled with this disorder, I can attest that seeking help is crucial. Thoughts and behaviors surrounding food don’t simply vanish; they often need professional intervention, especially in a society that assigns moral values to food, exercise, and body types.

Food and Exercise Aren’t the True Adversaries—Toxic Diet Culture Is

I’ve personally faced body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and unhealthy workout habits for most of my life. Ironically, I was an average-sized woman, sometimes described as curvy, and never close to looking underweight or malnourished.

But what wasn’t visible were the moments I felt faint from not eating all day or the meticulous notebook I kept detailing every bite of food, all perfectly on plan. It doesn’t add up, does it? That’s because it was the rationale of someone in need of guidance from a therapist and nutritionist to break free from harmful eating patterns.

If any of this resonates with you, or if you’ve ever doubted whether your struggles warrant seeking help—this is your signal. Don’t allow symptoms to escalate to a point of feeling overwhelmed. Just like any other aspect of life, there’s no universal solution. Everyone deserves support to lead a fulfilling and healthy life.

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Summary

Lesser-known eating disorders such as orthorexia and OSFED are serious conditions that often go unrecognized. These disorders can manifest in various ways, affecting individuals regardless of their weight. Understanding their signs and symptoms is crucial for seeking appropriate help. If you find yourself struggling with disordered eating habits, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Let’s Discuss Lesser-Known Eating Disorders: Here’s Why It Matters