When healthy eating becomes unhealthy (disordered eating)

Blog, Written by Cleo Massoura

July 13, 2026

Healthy eating can transition to being unhealthy when it leads to obsessive thoughts, restrictive behaviours, or distress around food. This is often described as disordered eating.

Eating healthily is encouraged by healthcare professionals to support physical health and overall wellbeing. However, for some people, healthy eating may become unhealthy when food choices are driven by guilt, fear or rigid rules, as a substitute of nourishment and enjoyment. Over time, these behaviours may develop into disordered eating patterns. It is important to recognise these early signs to prevent further eating difficulties and support a healthier relationship with food.

What is disordered eating?

In our clinic, we frequently support service users who experience eating disorder-like behaviours without meeting the eating disorder diagnostic criteria. These behaviours are often described as “disordered eating”.

Although it is not a diagnosis itself, it is a term used to describe eating behaviours and patterns that do not fall within the eating disorder diagnostic manuals.

Common signs of disordered eating

Below are some examples of how disordered eating may present:

Acute food refusal
Avoidance of certain foods and/or food groups
Compensatory behaviours (i.e. purging, excessive exercising)
Episodes of undereating or overeating
Restrictive eating
Restrictive eating as a form of self-harm
Skipping meals

While eating disorders and disordered eating both link to complex eating patterns, there are significant differences between them. Disordered eating describes a range of unhealthy eating behaviours and distorted attitudes towards food, weight and body image that don’t meet the eating disorder diagnostic criteria.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with food

Healthy eating is fundamental for good physical and mental health. However, while working towards a healthier eating, it is also important to ensure a healthy relationship with food is maintained. This is key to preserve a balanced and flexible approach to eating, which allows room for nourishment, enjoyment and social experiences, free from strict rules and guilt.
If eating habits begin to affect your daily life, mood or social situations, it may be helpful to seek professional support.

Getting support for disordered eating

Despite not meeting the eating disorder diagnostic criteria, it is important to note that anyone struggling with their eating should seek support from professionals. This will not only help the restoration of the relationship with food, but also improve mental health and prevent physical health deterioration.

Dietitians within our clinic have the expertise to support you. We often recommend working as part of the multidisciplinary team. This person-centred approach, leads to long-lasting outcomes working towards a long-term recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their relationship with food or eating patterns, book a free introductory discovery call to discuss your concerns and how we can support you.

Blog written by Cleo

Cleo is a specialist mental health dietitian at the clinic. With extended experience working in NHS adult mental health inpatient services, she provides a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental, grounded in evidence-based practice.