Many people are aware of what an eating disorder is, but disordered eating may sound less familiar. Disordered eating is not a diagnosis but a phrase that describes a range of problematic eating behaviors. The signs of disordered eating are similar to those of an eating disorder, but the impact on one’s daily functioning is less severe.

While disordered eating may not result in the extreme symptoms seen in a diagnosable eating disorder, it can still negatively impact your life. Someone with disordered eating may miss work, school, or personal events because of anxiety or discomfort around food, or because of an obsessive exercise routine. Frequent thoughts about food and exercise may affect your ability to focus or concentrate on other important areas of life.

Disordered eating can also take a mental and physical toll. Negative self-talk can impact mental health, and disordered eating habits can impact physical health, such as cardiovascular and intestinal health. Disordered eating puts you at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.