Many athletes, parents, and even healthcare providers use the terms disordered eating and eating disorders interchangeably — but they are technically not the same.

Both can negatively impact health, performance, growth, and mental well-being. However, the severity, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approach may differ.

At KC Performance Nutrition, our sports dietitians frequently help athletes and families understand where behaviors fall on the spectrum — and what to do next.

What Is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating refers to problematic eating behaviors that may not meet the criteria for a clinical eating disorder but still disrupt health and performance.

These behaviors can include:

• Restricting food intake
• “Off limits” foods
• Only eating “healthy” foods
• Self diagnosed food allergies or intolerances
• Skipping meals or snacks
• Excessive caffeine use or fluid intake
• Persistent concern about food and eating
• Preoccupation with body weight or shape
• Excessive exercise
• No rest days
• Weight loss
• Using calorie tracking apps

Disordered eating is common in athletic environments where body size, performance, and aesthetics are emphasized.

While disordered eating may not qualify as a diagnosable eating disorder, it can still lead to:

• Muscle loss
• Weak bones
• Low heart rate
• Low body temperature
• Slow metabolism
• Hair loss
• Inflexible thinking
• Poor concentration
• Food-dominated thoughts
• Difficulty making decisions
• Irritability
• Low mood
• Rigid routines
• Giving up old interests and hobbies
• Difficulty being spontaneous
• Social withdrawal

Left unaddressed, disordered eating can progress into a clinical eating disorder.

What Is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition defined by strict criteria in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Eating disorders involve persistent disturbances in eating behavior combined with psychological distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Common eating disorders include:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Eating disorders require specialized, interdisciplinary treatment involving a physician, mental health provider, and dietitian.

Sara Arnold, founder of KC Performance Nutrition, is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS)  and provides eating disorder nutrition treatment for athletes of all ages and activity levels.

Key Differences Between Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders

While both exist on the same spectrum, the key differences include:

Importantly, both deserve attention. Waiting until behaviors become severe increases health risks.

Why This Matters for Athletes

In sport, disordered eating behaviors are often normalized:

• Restricting to “make weight”
• Cutting carbs before competition
• Skipping meals due to busy schedules
• Overtraining without increasing intake

These patterns may be dismissed as “discipline” — but they can impair performance and increase injury risk.

Athletes experiencing under-fueling may develop:

• Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)
• Stress fractures
• Hormonal disruption
• Delayed growth in adolescents
• Decreased performance

Early evaluation by a sports dietitian can prevent progression.

When Should You Seek Help?

Consider speaking with a sports dietitian if an athlete:

• Is frequently fatigued
• Experiences repeated injuries
• Avoids entire food groups
• Shows anxiety around meals
• Feels guilt after eating
• Has irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Has low libido or loss of morning erections
• Is not meeting expected growth milestones

Even if behaviors seem “mild,” early intervention improves outcomes.

How a Sports Dietitian Can Help

At KC Performance Nutrition, our sports dietitians:

• Assess fueling patterns and energy availability
• Screen for disordered eating behaviors
• Identify when higher-level eating disorder care is needed
• Develop individualized fueling plans
• Coordinate care with therapists and physicians
• Support safe return to sport

We work with all athletes across many states in the U.S. Our goal is not simply to change eating behaviors — but to restore trust with food, protect health, and support long-term athletic performance.

Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders Exist on a Spectrum

It’s important to understand that these are not “all or nothing” conditions.

Many athletes fall somewhere in the middle — not clearly diagnosable, but still struggling.

If you are unsure whether behaviors qualify as disordered eating or an eating disorder, professional evaluation is the safest next step.

Early support prevents long-term medical and psychological complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is disordered eating less serious than an eating disorder?

Not necessarily. While it may not meet diagnostic criteria, disordered eating can still significantly impact health, performance, and mental well-being.

Can athletes have an eating disorder without looking underweight?

Yes. Eating disorders occur in individuals of all body sizes. Body size alone does not determine severity.

Does every athlete who diets have disordered eating?

Not automatically. However, chronic restriction, rigidity, and guilt around food are warning signs.

Who treats eating disorders?

Effective treatment requires an interdisciplinary team that may include a physician, therapist, and a dietitian trained in eating disorder care.

Work With A Sports Dietitian That Specializes In Disordered Eating

If you are an athlete, parent, coach, or healthcare provider and have concerns about disordered eating or an eating disorder, early support matters.

KC Performance Nutrition provides virtual disordered eating nutrition counseling throughout many states across the country.

Schedule an appointment with a sports dietitian specializing in disordered eating today to ensure fueling supports both health and performance.