Trending Atypical Eating Patterns That Are Really Unhealthy

Is Your Relationship With Food Doing More Harm Than Good?

6 min readOct 6, 2019

Redefining Disordered Eating

The diagnosis for anorexia and bulimia have long been present in the DSM-5. But according to The National Eating Disorder Association, there are many other subclinical or atypical conditions that are also forms of disordered eating.

Once called “Selective Eating Disorder,” there is a new diagnosis called Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, also known as ARFID. This condition is similar to anorexia and bulimia in regards to food amount and type that are being eaten, but it does not present with distressed body shape, size or have any distortion in the perception of body image.

There are also non-specific eating disorders called EDNOS that are not an official diagnosis, but can result in just as many complications as anorexia or bulimia and have an equal likelihood of death from disordered thoughts and behaviors related to eating.

Still it remains that the biggest contributing factor to development of disordered eating is the sociological idealization of thinness. If left unchecked, these unhealthy eating patterns can lead to more serious consequences or worsening condition. Some of the current trends across social media especially have influenced the relationship that people have with their food. What does disordered eating look like?

“Orthorexia”

Are you or have you known someone who is seemingly obsessed with eating the “right” foods? The term “orthorexia” means literally to have a “correct appetite.” Eating clean or only eating certain types of foods is a trend that has been pushed in the name of good health for some now across social circles. While this isn’t always bad to eat clean or more healthily, it becomes a problem when food intake becomes limited significantly by eliminating and avoiding foods that are labeled as off-limits or “bad.”

People with orthorexia may come across as self-righteous sometimes to others. Often these individuals may not realize that they are “dieting” or that they have reached a dangerous level of obsession. They might think they are right and doing the right thing, try to push their way of eating on others, or say that someone else is “wrong” because of the way that they are eating differently.

With the emergence of knowledge of celiac disease and other medical conditions, the “gluten-free” diet among those without such diagnosis may be a good example of this. While it isn’t necessarily bad to restrict gluten, susceptible populations may be at increased risk of developing disordered eating. The “keto” method diet is also highly restrictive that has been said to promote many health advantages.

“Pregorexia”

30% of women in the US aren’t gaining enough weight during pregnancy, and the prevalence of weight loss attempts made during pregnancy has doubled in rate within the past 20 years. It’s no wonder why pregnant women can feel an extra pressure to stay “fit” even through pregnancy. Some people may even have a partner who pressures them to look a certain way, either before, during, or after pregnancy.

Across social media and internet articles there always seems to be some celebrity or fitness expert that’s showing off how fit they are right after having a child — not to mention all the promotions of the concept of “you don’t need to eat for two.” Now, women aren’t waiting to lose the weight after birth, but trying to lose weight or stay fit during the actual pregnancy.

This can lead to forms of extreme dieting and compulsive exercise during pregnancy to keep weight off. However, a typical prenatal weight gain has shown to be between 25 to 30 pounds. Not only is it unhealthy for the woman’s body, but can also effect the health of the baby — including premature deliveries and low birth weights from malnourishment.

“Drunkorexia”

Those with substance use disorders or heavy patterns of alcohol use are at risk for developing this condition. They might starve, binge, or purge in association with their usage. Alcohol in particular has a high caloric load and can lead to weight gain, with ethanol being taken in at a rate of 7 calories per gram.

One study from University of Missouri found nearly 30% college students who were female had the symptoms of this disordered eating and restricting calorie intake to “reserve space” for alcohol. Further, this type of eating is associated with episodes of binge drinking, which are also incredibly dangerous. Men can also have struggles with drunkorexia, and they might skip out on meals to save money for alcohol.

Photo by Trust "Tru" Katsande on Unsplash

Hypergymnasia and Supplement Obsession

It has been shown that many gym-goers have a destructive relationship with exercise. Compulsively exercising can lead to health consequences beyond the original intention. About 90–95% of college students who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder also belong to a a fitness center or gym, and this is shown to be associated particularly with anorexia.

The APA has said that the overuse of health and workout supplements have been shown to especially linked with men as a population at risk. These dietary supplements are legal and easy to purchase, and have been promoted to enhance outcomes related to physical fitness pursuits.

Getting “Wheysted.” Can You Relate?

While many people may joke around about “pre-workout” and exercise related supplementation, it is no laughing matter for those who’ve found themselves afflicted by negative consequences. The powders are being used as meal replacements and substitutions for actual food. Overuse can lead to restrictive eating habits over time.

Recognizing Conditions and Seeking Help

Some people are more at-risk for developing disordered eating than others and often show several co-morbid conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD post traumatic stress disorder, and sometimes ADHD or autistm. Because eating disorders themselves involve rituals and compulsions, OCD is the most commonly occurring anxiety condition that is seen together with them.

By all means, it is great to feel good and if you’ve found a way of eating right for your body — that is excellent. However, being conscientious and aware of risks can help prevent malnourishment or even death that has been associated with some cases. Remember that sometimes there can be too much of a “good” thing.

If you or someone close to you is suffering from disordered patterns of eating, seek help as soon as possible for treatment. You can call the helpline at 1–800–931–2237 or go online to contact the NEDA.