How can you tell the difference between having an eating disorder and just having a smaller issue involving eating?

Disordered eating becomes an issue when it interferes with your daily life. Do you always think about eating? Do you weigh yourself frequently and worry about your weight? Do you excessively exercise or try to lose weight? Do you find yourself eating a lot at one time and feeling regret and/or the urge to purge?

You have to seek professional help to know the difference. And whether you have disordered eating that meets the official qualifications for a diagnosis of an eating disorder, or you exhibit disordered eating, both are serious! A "smaller issue" can develop into an eating disorder like bulima, anorexia, or EDNOS, so it's important to seek help.

Most of the time people around can tell. If all people around you are saying the same, then most probably they are right. I know you might still think they are just being polite but maybe visiting a Nutritionist is the best idea. He is neutral and always tells you what is the best for you in this area :)

An eating disorder is consuming. A smaller issue involving eating could very well turn in to a eating disorder, but is not all consuming. An eating disorder tends to be controlling and compulsive.

An eating disorder is something that damages or has a negative impact on your health, no matter how small. Even people eating junk food have eating disorders, even though it is not considered as a legit eating disorder. The best thing is to research the topic of nutrition, but just remember to always remain suspicious of what you hear or read, as many things are scams - they're called "fad diets". Good luck :)

Disordered eating involves an abnormal relationship with food; however, an eating disorder is a psychiatric illness that has more to do with a complex set of emotional and psychological issues, than with food and nutrition.

I think that the moment you start really hiding things regarding eating disorders and your habits from others. Also if your day revolves around eating (or the lack of it), and if your struggles get in the way of your daily life, and the decisions and activities you'd participate in if you weren't held back by eating.

More often than not, eating disorders have more of a mental and physical toll than just having a smaller issue with eating. However, YOU are the one that determines your eating disorder. Don't feel like even if it is a minor issue that it isn't something that could be worse. Some of us have higher pain tolerances, and this applies to mental health as well. Be safe, and understand that there are plenty of people willing to help you~