If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know how easy it is to get caught up in the world of dieting. “Just one more pound,” you tell yourself. The problem is, what starts off as a healthy goal can quickly turn into an eating disorder.

What is a Diet?

A diet is a plan for eating that is designed to achieve a specific goal. A diet can be as simple as eating more fruit and vegetables or more complicated, like counting calories or macronutrients.

A diet usually has a start and end date, and once the goal is achieved, the person goes back to their normal eating habits.

What is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is an unhealthy relationship with food that can cause both physical and mental harm. Eating disorders are not just about dieting or losing weight; they are complex psychological problems that can be lifelong.

There are a few different types of eating disorders:.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight.

People with anorexia may restrict their food intake to an extreme degree, exercise excessively, and may suffer from other physical and emotional problems as a result.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating large amounts of food, followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise) to compensate for the calories consumed.

People with bulimia may feel a loss of control during binges, and experience feelings of guilt and shame afterward. Like anorexia, bulimia can have negative effects on both physical and mental health.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) involves eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, frequently and recurrently. People with BED may feel a lack of control during binges and experience shame, guilt, and embarrassment afterward.

Unlike bulimia, there is no compensation behavior after a binge.

Eating disorders can be serious, even deadly, and require treatment.

What is the Fine Line?

The fine line between dieting and an eating disorder is often crossed when the person’s desire to lose weight or be thin becomes obsessive. For those with a history of dieting or a family history of eating disorders, the line can be even finer.

When a person becomes obsessed with weight loss or the way their body looks, they may start to restrict their food intake too drastically, over-exercise, or engage in other harmful behaviors.

These obsessive behaviors are what differentiate dieting from an eating disorder.

What are Some Warning Signs?

If you’re concerned that your dieting may be crossing the line into an eating disorder, there are a few warning signs to look out for:.

Obsessive thoughts about food and eating
Skipping meals or not eating enough
Avoiding social situations that involve food
Exercising excessively
Weighing yourself frequently or obsessing over the number on the scale
Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
Feeling depressed or anxious

What Should You Do If You Think You Have an Eating Disorder?

If you suspect that you may have an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Eating disorders can be treated, but early intervention is key.

Talk to your doctor, who can provide a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders.

Recovery from an eating disorder can be a long process, but with the right treatment, most people can make a full recovery.

The Takeaway

There is a fine line between dieting and an eating disorder, and it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seek help as soon as possible.

Early treatment improves the chances of a full recovery.