Frequently Asked Questions
What is…
Eating Disorder vs. Disordered Eating
Eating disorders used to fall into three main categories: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Now with the update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) there are eight. Like any other disease state, this must be diagnosed by a qualified clinician using specific criteria. You can still seek treatment if you do not have an official diagnosis, and if you do not have an official diagnosis it does not mean that you do not have an eating disorder.
Disordered Eating is a much broader term. It is very common and perpetuated in our society by what we call “Diet Culture”. Some examples can be seen in fad diets, weight-cycling and “clean eating”. Though these behaviors may not be as “serious” as an eating disorder, they can cause long term harm physically, mentally and emotionally. Certain damaging eating behaviors can also be a precursor to an eating disorder.
Eating Disorder Screening Tool
Here is a link to the National Eating Disorders Association screening tool. Even though they say it is for eating disorders, I think the questions would also apply if you want to just assess where your relationship is with your body or if you suspect you have some disordered behaviors. The survey is quick and easy with no requirements to provide an email address.
Based on the book of the same name by Evelyn Tribole RDN and Elyse Resch RDN, Intuitive Eating is an approach to that gets you back to listening to your intuitive body and repairing your damaged relationship to food by changing your mentality. There are 10 foundational principles, some of which are: rejecting diet mentality, honoring your hunger and challenging the food police.
Intuitive Eating
Associate for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) is a non-profit organization that focuses on taking weight out of the health equation. The focus instead is on body diversity, acceptance and compassion. It challenges the assumptions made about all body shapes and sizes which leads to more accessible health care for all. This organization is the owner of the trademark Health At Every Size® and HAES® so that the community of these principles can be protected.
Health at Every Size®(HAES®)
In-line with the HAES® framework, weight inclusivity as a practitioner means that you are providing healthcare and guidance towards health goals independent of body size and weight. This takes the focus away from weight loss as the only way to achieve health and therefore reducing the shame associated with weight loss and dieting.