Key points

Eating disorders speak in metaphor, revealing deeper emotional pain and coping needs.

They are not about food but about feeling safe, wanted, or in control.

Healing means decoding these messages with compassion, not judgment.

As a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and body image distress, I often hear from clients:

“I don’t know why I do this. I’m not stupid. I know it’s not healthy. I just can’t stop.”

They’re talking about binge eating, restricting, purging, or overexercising. These behaviors feel confusing and out of control, even to the individuals themselves. But here’s the truth I always share. It’s not really about the food. It never was.

Eating Disorders Speak in Metaphor

Eating disorders often look like they’re about discipline or willpower ,

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