Eating Behaviour: From “Normal” to Disordered Eating"

Eating is a distinct behaviour in that we must consume foods to supply the body with sufficient energy to fuel bodily function and ensure survival. Behaviour around food consumption can range from healthy to more problematic behaviours (such as binge eating and emotional eating). This is particularly relevant to nurses whose work patterns and occupation-related stress can heavily influence eating behaviour and contribute to the risk of binge or emotional eating. While not everyone will present with these disordered eating behaviours, some may present with eating patterns suggesting a preoccupation with food or weight. This can potentially lead to inappropriate compensatory behaviours or dysphoric mood following food consumption. This article explores how nurses and other healthcare professionals may identify and approach binge eating and address such behaviour.