You Don’t Have to Be Skinny to Have an Eating Disorder: The Truth About Disordered Eating
When people think of eating disorders, they often picture someone who is extremely thin, with visible ribs and bones. This stereotype leads many individuals to believe that they don’t have an eating disorder simply because they are not underweight. But this is one of the biggest myths about eating disorders and body image concerns.
Most People with Eating Disorders Are NOT Underweight
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), less than 6% of individuals with eating disorders are classified as underweight. This means that 94% of people with eating disorders fall into the “normal” or “overweight” BMI categories—a misleading metric that doesn’t even come close to defining health or disorder severity.
Eating disorders affect individuals of all body sizes, and weight alone is not an accurate measure of whether someone is struggling. Instead, it’s the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions surrounding food, self-image, and body dysmorphia that determine whether someone needs support.
Common Signs of an Eating Disorder
If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following behaviors, it could be a sign of an eating disorder:
Obsessing over food, dieting, weight loss, calorie counting, or macros
Fearing certain foods and experiencing extreme guilt, shame, or anxiety after eating them
Compensating for eating certain foods, such as:
Skipping meals in anticipation of a big meal later
Excessive exercise to “burn off” calories
Developing food rituals or rigid eating patterns, like:
Only eating one type of food at a time
Eating extremely slowly
Not letting foods touch on the plate
Constant body checking, such as fixating on wrist size, weight concerns, or scrutinizing body parts in the mirror
Eliminating entire food groups (e.g., cutting out carbs, fats, or dairy without a medical reason)
Social withdrawal due to fear of eating in front of others
Frequent mood swings, anxiety, depression, or panic attacks
Physical symptoms such as:
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Persistent fatigue, low energy, or motivation struggles
Hair loss, brittle nails, or skin issues
Menstrual irregularities or loss of period
Feeling cold frequently
Slow wound healing and easy bruising
Soft, fine hair growth on the face or arms (a symptom of malnutrition)
Swelling in the feet or extremities
If you recognize multiple symptoms on this list, it may be time to talk to someone and seek professional counseling or therapy.
You Don’t Have to “Look Sick” to Have an Eating Disorder
Many people don’t seek help because they assume they don’t meet the criteria for an eating disorder. But the truth is, eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes.
If your thoughts about food, body image, or self-esteem are interfering with your daily life, you deserve support.
How to Get Help for an Eating Disorder
At Modern Eve, our team of specialized therapists in Tucson, Arizona, provides evidence-based treatment to help individuals break free from disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and self-image concerns. Whether you are struggling with binge eating, restrictive eating, or body image issues, we can guide you toward healing and mental wellness.
We offer trauma counseling, stress management strategies, college counseling for students at the University of Arizona, and faith-based therapy for those navigating religious trauma, existential crises, or spiritual counseling.
Our services also include grief counseling, therapy for social anxiety and panic attacks, academic stress support, and career counseling for young adults transitioning into new life stages.
Find Help and Start Healing Today
If you’re struggling with mental health challenges, depression, anxiety, or emotional distress, we are here for you. We offer affordable therapy in Tucson, including online therapy and mental health services for students, young adults, and professionals.
Take the first step toward healing.
Find help and talk to someone who understands.
Get support for your mental health, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.
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Discover your purpose and start healing today.
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