Please enable JS

You Are Not Alone: Understanding Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or body size. It is estimated that 900,000 to 1.9 million Canadians experience symptoms that meet the criteria for an eating disorder.1 Aramark believes that everyone deserves to have a positive relationship with food. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that you are not alone – support and recovery are possible.

Disordered eating and eating disorders are terms that are often used interchangeably because they both involve irregular eating behaviours; however, it’s important to note the differences. Disordered eating refers to patterns that do not meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, while eating disorders are diagnosed conditions that meet specific criteria and may require intensive treatment.2 Eating disorders and disordered eating can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food, eating, and body image. They can both have a debilitating impact on mental health and physical health.3

Risk Factors

A common misconception surrounding eating disorders is the belief that they stem from a single cause, often related to concerns with weight or body size. There are many common risk factors for eating disorders, which include:

  • Feeling a lack of control in one’s life.

  • Coping with challenging relationship histories.

  • Having low self-worth.

  • Perfectionism.

  • Other underlying medical conditions.4

Signs of an Eating Disorder

Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder and understanding their complexities can be an important step towards recovery. If you are not familiar with some of the common types of eating disorders and their symptoms, here is a short summary:

  • Anorexia Nervosa: A low body weight and severe restriction of food intake along with a fear of weight gain.

  • Bulimia Nervosa: Cycles of overeating followed by behaviours of purging or excessive exercise.

  • Binge Eating Disorder: Frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in one sitting, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control.

  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Limiting food intake due to a lack of interest in eating, sensory sensitivity, or fear of aversive consequences of eating.

  • Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): Symptoms of disordered eating that do not meet all of the diagnostic criteria of the above-mentioned eating disorders.5


Support and Recovery for Those in Need

The journey toward recovery can be challenging; however, it is worth it and starts with seeking support. There are many ways to begin, and it’s important to find the option that feels most comfortable for you.

  • Consider seeking professional help: Many healthcare professionals, such as psychotherapists, psychologists, and dietitians, specialize in eating disorder recovery and can provide you with proper guidance and care. You can find a dietitian who specializes in eating disorders here or a therapist who specializes in eating disorders here. Additionally, if you are a student, some campuses offer resources such as counselling services and support groups specifically for students dealing with eating disorders.

  • Talk to your doctor: Inform your doctor of the challenges you are facing. They can assess your health and provide recommendations and referrals for treatment and care.3

  • National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC): The NEDIC website provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of eating disorders and the support that is available, including a Community Groups section and a Help for Yourself section that offers practical advice and recovery resources. NEDIC also offers direct support through their national toll-free helpline: and live chat services.6

  • Talk to someone you trust: Sometimes, reaching out to a friend, family member, or a local support group can be a first step in finding the support you need.3

Remember, seeking help is a brave and takes courage. You are not alone – support is available, and recovery is possible.


References:

  1. National Eating Disorder Information Centre. General Information. Available from: https://nedic.ca/general-information/

  2. Eating Recovery Center. Disordered Eating Vs. Eating Disorders: Know the Difference. Available from: https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/disordered-eating-vs-eating-disorders

  3. Mayo Clinic. Eating disorders: Symptoms and causes. Available from: Eating disorders - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  4. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Understanding and finding help for eating disorders. Available from: https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/understanding-and-finding-help-for-eating-disorders/

  5. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Learn about eating disorders. Available from: https://staging.nationaleatingdisorders.org/what-are-eating-disorders/

  6. National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). Understanding Eating Disorders. 2023. Available from: https://nedic.ca

Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.