Disordered Eating
Disordered eating and eating disorders are not the same. Disordered eating refers to a wide range of irregular eating behaviors that do not meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder diagnosis. These patterns can still have a significant impact on physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life.
Common characteristics of disordered eating may include:
- Distorted body image
- Body shape or weight being used as a primary measure of self-worth
- Strict rules around eating and/or exercise
- Chronic dieting with unhealthy weight control behaviors such as fasting, skipping meals, or restricting and eliminating multiple food groups
- Frequent weight fluctuations
- Eating for comfort, not hunger
- Feelings of guilt and shame resulting from an inability to maintain food and exercise habits
How Disordered Eating Differs from Eating Disorders
Eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)—are serious mental health conditions involving significant disturbances in eating behaviors, body weight, or body image and may require more intensive treatment and support.
Diagnosed eating disorders also include Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which is characterized by restrictive eating patterns not related to body image concerns.
While disordered eating does not always progress to an eating disorder, early support can be an important step in preventing worsening symptoms and improving overall health.
Who We Support
We provide nutrition support for adults, adolescents, and children who are navigating a complicated relationship with food and their bodies. Some individuals may come to us with a formal diagnosis, while others may simply feel “stuck” in unhelpful or distressing eating patterns.
Our registered dietitians support individuals who:
- Have been diagnosed with an eating disorder
- Are experiencing disordered eating behaviors without a diagnosis
- Are unsure where they fall on the spectrum but know something doesn’t feel right
We provide care in an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all body shapes, sizes, abilities, and gender expressions, meeting each person where they are.
Our Team-Based Approach
Avance Care’s registered dietitians specialize in supporting individuals with disordered eating as well as those with formally diagnosed eating disorders. Care is delivered through a collaborative, team-based model, with you at the center of your care.
When appropriate, our dietitians work closely with behavioral health specialists and your primary care provider to ensure care is coordinated and comprehensive.
For individuals with a diagnosed eating disorder, treatment requires a multidisciplinary care team that includes:
- A medical provider
- A behavioral health therapist
- A registered dietitian
This team-based approach supports both physical health and emotional well-being throughout the recovery process.
Our dietitians address disordered eating and body image concerns using a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach that helps rebuild trust with your body and reconnect with hunger and fullness cues.
What to Expect from Nutrition Support
Our approach to disordered eating care is individualized, compassionate, and non-judgmental. Nutrition therapy is designed to support nourishment, flexibility, and confidence around food.
You can expect:
- Individual nutrition sessions focused on self-care strategies and your unique needs
- Education around the body’s nutritional needs and nourishment
- Support in building intuitive eating skills, including recognizing hunger and fullness cues
- Assessment of nutritional status, food patterns, and eating behaviors
- Guidance in addressing food fears and challenges
- Individualized meal planning that supports balance and flexibility
- Individual grocery store tours, when appropriate
- Meal and snack challenges with structured support
- Coordination with other members of your care or recovery team
- Family education and support throughout the process
Taking the Next Step
Whether you are early in recognizing concerns or further along in your recovery journey, nutrition support can help you build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food.
If you are unsure whether your experiences fall under disordered eating or an eating disorder, a validated self-screening tool may help guide next steps and determine whether additional support could be beneficial.
Avance Care Intuitive Eating and Self-Care Group
In addition to one-on-one counseling, we offer a group aimed as those who wish to improve their relationship with food and their body.
Avance Care Intuitive Eating and Self-Care Group
This 16-week support group, for patients 18 and older, will alternate between a Registered Dietitian and a Licensed Clinical Therapist. This group requires a 16-week commitment, that includes unique, weekly topics, in addition to individualized meal support. The group meets weekly at noon.
To learn more about the Avance Care Intuitive Eating Group, click the button below, contact the Avance Care Behavioral Health Coordinator at (919) 874-5443, or complete the Nutrition Group interest form and someone will contact you.