Some signs of eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) overlap, so it can be hard to know where one starts and the other begins. Both conditions can cause excessive mirror-checking, avoiding social situations due to body image concerns, and seeking reassurance about physical appearance. While eating disorders focus on overall size and shape, BDD can get stuck on specific body parts, like the nose or skin. Understanding these differences can help in identifying the exact support you need.
Excerpt from Eating Recovery Center:
People with both eating disorders and BDD might notice that they:
- Excessively look in the mirror
- Wear concealing clothing frequently
- Avoid going out with friends due to worries or concerns about their physical appearance and how others might perceive them
If this is you, you may get upset or scared when people share pictures of you on social media without your approval, are asked to wear something that can’t hide your perceived problem areas or are pushed toward other social situations that make it difficult to hide your perceived flaws. You might also feel the need to seek reassurance about your physical appearance from trusted friends and family to help you feel more comfortable.
Eating disorders and BDD can be similar in these ways:
- Do you regularly avoid friends or family because you are self-conscious about how you look?
- Do you spend most of your free time trying to change your body?
- Do you feel so distracted by your perceived flaws that it gets in the way of school or work?
If so, you may have wondered if life could ever feel less restrained, and if so, how. Trying to find healing often requires us to put a name to what we’re experiencing.