Understanding Eating Disorders: What They Are and Why They Develop
Food is essential for life, but for many people it becomes tangled with emotions, stress, or self-image. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that go far beyond “just food.” They can impact physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily life.
In this blog, we’ll explore what eating disorders are, why they sometimes develop, and how support can help.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders involve unhealthy patterns of eating and distorted thoughts about food, weight, or body image. They affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Some of the most common include:
Anorexia Nervosa → Restricting food intake and often excessive focus on weight, leading to dangerously low body weight.
Bulimia Nervosa → Cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours such as vomiting, over-exercising, or laxative use to “compensate.”
Binge Eating Disorder → Repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food, often quickly and in secret, followed by feelings of shame or guilt.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) → Limiting food intake not because of body image concerns, but due to sensory issues, fear of choking, or lack of interest in food.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) → When symptoms don’t fit neatly into one category but still cause significant distress.
Why Do Eating Disorders Develop?
Eating disorders are complex and rarely have just one cause. They often develop from a mix of factors, including:
Emotional triggers: Using food to cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma.
Low self-esteem: Linking self-worth to appearance or weight.
Cultural & social pressures: Messages from media, peers, or family about the “ideal” body.
Biological factors: Genetics, family history, or brain chemistry can play a role.
Life events: Bullying, loss, trauma, or major changes may trigger disordered eating patterns.
For many people, eating disorders aren’t really about food — they’re about trying to gain a sense of control, numb emotional pain, or cope with difficult feelings.
Signs to Look Out For
Some possible signs include:
Obsessive thoughts about food, calories, or body image
Skipping meals or restrictive eating patterns
Binge eating or secretive eating behaviours
Purging, excessive exercise, or misuse of diet aids
Rapid weight changes
Withdrawing from social situations involving food
Strong feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety after eating
Why Support Matters
Eating disorders can feel isolating, but recovery is possible with the right help. Support might include:
Therapy (e.g., counselling, CBT, EMDR for trauma-related roots)
Medical support to address physical health risks
Nutritional guidance from a dietitian
Compassionate connection — a safe space to talk openly without judgment
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, know this: it’s not about weakness or willpower. Eating disorders are serious, but with support, recovery is possible.
At Ames Aspire in Coventry (and online), I provide therapy for people dealing with anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues — often underlying challenges linked to disordered eating. Together, we can explore what’s driving these patterns and find healthier ways to cope.
📞 Book your free consultation today → www.amesaspire.com/appointments
