Eating Disorders That Have Nothing to Do with Weight or Body Image

When most people think about eating disorders, they often associate them with a desire to lose weight or dissatisfaction with body image. However, not all eating disorders are rooted in concerns about appearance. Many individuals struggle with disordered eating for reasons that have nothing to do with weight, shape, or body image. These lesser-known eating disorders are just as serious and deserve the same level of awareness, validation, and treatment. Understanding that eating disorders can stem from anxiety, trauma, sensory sensitivities, or a need for control is crucial in providing inclusive and effective care.

One example is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food avoidance or restriction. Individuals with ARFID may have sensory sensitivities to the texture, smell, or taste of food, or may fear choking or vomiting. Unlike other restrictive eating disorders, ARFID is not motivated by body image concerns. Instead, it often stems from physical discomfort, trauma, or anxiety. Another example is orthorexia nervosa, a condition involving an obsession with “clean” or “healthy” eating. Although orthorexia is not officially recognized in the DSM-5, it shares many characteristics with eating disorders, including rigid food rules and emotional distress. People with orthorexia are not focused on weight loss but rather on achieving a sense of purity, safety, or control through food.

Some individuals develop disordered eating behaviors in response to trauma. In these cases, food restriction or avoidance can be a coping mechanism to manage overwhelming emotions or dissociation. For others, eating difficulties may be linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where food is avoided due to fears of contamination or the need to perform certain rituals. These types of eating disorders are often misunderstood or overlooked because they don’t fit the traditional narrative of wanting to be thin. However, the impact on physical and emotional health can be just as severe.

It’s essential to broaden our understanding of eating disorders to include those that are not driven by body image issues. Early recognition and proper diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating that isn’t related to weight concerns, know that help is available. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that deserve compassionate, individualized care, regardless of the reasons behind them. By raising awareness about the diverse nature of eating disorders, we can reduce stigma and help more people get the support they need.