What does the term "disordered eating" refer to?

The term "disordered eating" refers to a wide range of abnormal eating habits that do not necessarily meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder but can still be harmful to a person's physical and mental health. This encompasses behaviors such as chronic dieting, restrictive eating, binge eating, and purging that may not fit the strict definitions of recognized disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Understanding disordered eating is important because it highlights the spectrum of unhealthy relationships with food and body image that individuals may experience. Recognizing these behaviors allows for earlier intervention and support, which can prevent the development of more serious eating disorders. This definition acknowledges the complexity of eating behaviors and their impact on overall health, emphasizing the need for a supportive and informed approach to nutrition and well-being.