Describe the differences between disordered eating and an eating disorder.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

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Disordered eating can be defined as mild and short-term changes in eating patterns that occur in response to a stressful event, an illness, or a desire to modify the diet for health and/or personal appearance reasons. The problem may be no more than a bad habit, a style of eating adapted from friends or family members, or an aspect of preparing for athletic competition. Although disordered eating can lead to changes in body weight and certain nutritional problems, it rarely requires in-depth professional attention. However, in today's world, given the common practice of dieting, skipping meals, eating at odd times, and having hectic jobs and schedules, it may not be obvious when disordered eating stops and an eating disorder begins.

Disordered eating can escalate into physiological changes associated with sustained food restriction, binge eating, purging, and fluctuations in weight that interfere with everyday activities. It also involves emotional and cognitive changes that affect how people perceive and experience their bodies, such as feelings of distress or extreme concern about body shape or weight. Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other psychological disorders, such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders.

Eating disorders are not due to a failure of will power or behavior; rather, they are real, treatable medical illnesses that require complex professional intervention that must go beyond nutritional therapy. Without treatment, eating disorders can cause serious physical health complications, including heart conditions and kidney failure, which may even lead to death.