The Link Between Obesity and Eating Disorders.
Today marks World Eating Disorders Action Day — an important reminder that eating disorders don’t always look the way we expect. One of the most misunderstood truths in nutrition and healthcare is this:
Eating disorders can and do affect people living in larger bodies.
In fact, there is a growing body of research showing a significant overlap between obesity and disordered eating behaviours. Yet, individuals in higher-weight bodies often go undiagnosed and unsupported — or worse, receive advice that reinforces the very behaviours putting their health at risk.
In this blog, we’ll unpack the complex link between obesity and eating disorders, why it matters, and how our virtual weight management clinic takes a more compassionate, personalised approach.
Eating Disorders Don’t Have a “Look”
Despite common stereotypes, eating disorders affect people of all body sizes, ages, genders, and backgrounds. In fact:
A person can meet the criteria for binge eating disorder (BED) and be in a larger body.
A person can severely restrict food and experience symptoms of anorexia — and still have a BMI in the “overweight” or “obese” category.
People in higher-weight bodies may avoid seeking support due to stigma or shame.
One 2017 study found that more than 30% of people seeking weight loss treatment met the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, with binge eating disorder being the most common.¹
The Most Common Eating Disorder in Higher-Weight Individuals: BED
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder and is often underdiagnosed in people with obesity.
What is BED?
BED involves episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress — but without the purging behaviours seen in bulimia.
BED is not a willpower issue. It is a mental health condition, influenced by:
Genetics and brain chemistry
Dieting and food restriction
Emotional distress or trauma
Societal stigma around weight and body image
How Dieting Can Contribute to Disordered Eating
Many people with obesity have a long history of yo-yo dieting, often beginning in childhood or adolescence. Repeated cycles of restriction and regain can lead to:
An increased risk of binge eating
Food preoccupation
Shame and guilt around eating
Disrupted hunger and fullness cues
Reduced self-esteem
This pattern, sometimes referred to as "the diet-binge cycle", is not only emotionally draining — it can worsen physical health over time.
Stigma: The Hidden Barrier to Support
Weight stigma in healthcare is a major problem. People in larger bodies are often:
Dismissed or judged by providers
Told to “just lose weight” without addressing root causes
Misdiagnosed or overlooked for eating disorders
This stigma can delay help-seeking, increase shame, and reinforce disordered eating behaviours.
One study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that individuals with obesity who internalised weight bias were more likely to experience binge eating, depression, and avoidance of medical care.²
A Different Approach: Support Without Shame
At our virtual clinic, we take a compassionate and safe approach to weight management in order to reduce the risk of disordered eating. We understand that sustainable health improvements come not from crash diets or calorie obsession, but from compassionate care, behaviour change, and emotional support.
Here’s what that looks like:
Individualised assessments — including weight history, emotional eating patterns, and relationship with food.
Eating disorder screening — particularly for clients with frequent bingeing, food guilt, or a long history of dieting.
Psychological safety — no public weigh-ins, no shame-based tactics, and no “one-size-fits-all” meal plans.
Long-term support — to address habits, thought patterns, and emotional triggers — not just food.
Collaborative care — we work with GPs and mental health professionals when needed to ensure a holistic treatment plan.
So, What’s the Link Between Obesity and Eating Disorders?
In short: it’s complicated — and more common than many realise.
Weight alone does not protect someone from disordered eating. In fact, the social pressure to lose weight, combined with internalised shame, may increase the risk of harmful behaviours like binge eating, food restriction, or compulsive exercise.
If you’re struggling with emotional eating, food guilt, or repeated failed diets — you are not alone, and you deserve support that looks beyond weight loss alone.
Need Help Navigating Your Relationship with Food?
Our CORU-registered dietitians provides evidence-based, non-judgmental care for clients living with obesity, disordered eating, or both. Whether your goal is to manage weight, stabilise eating patterns, or simply feel more at peace with food — we’re here to help.
References
Da Luz, F.Q., et al. (2017). “Screening for binge eating disorder in patients seeking bariatric surgery: The accuracy of the Binge Eating Scale.” Int J Eat Disord.
Puhl, R.M., & Suh, Y. (2015). “Health Consequences of Weight Stigma: Implications for Obesity Prevention and Treatment.” Current Obesity Reports.
