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.

  • Overcome depression, build confidence, and reduce anxiety.

  • Discover your purpose and start healing today.

🔹 Book a Free Consultation with a Therapist

Additional Resources:

 
Previous
Previous

Ditch Diets for Good: How Intuitive Eating Can Help Heal Your Relationship with Food

Next
Next

5 Powerful Ways to Stop Hating Your Body & Embrace Body Acceptance