OSFED

Many of us are familiar with eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, but there are instances where people may exhibit some signs of an eating disorder without meeting all the criteria. In this case, they may be diagnosed with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, known as OSFED. Regardless of the number of symptoms people may or may not show, OSFED is still classified as a category of eating disorders and requires professional medical attention in order to attain full recovery.

What are the warning signs of OSFED?

It should be emphasised that OSFED is a comprehensive category that includes various eating disorders. Consequently, when observing for warning signs, it is important to recognise that different subtypes of OSFED exhibit distinct features and individuals may display diverse patterns of behaviour and symptoms.

However, here are the general symptoms of OSFED broken down into three main categories: psychological, physical and behavioural:

Psychological warning signs of OSFED

• Constantly thinking about food, dieting, or body appearance.
• Excessive concern about weight, shape and size.
• Mood swings, irritability, or increased anxiety related to food and eating.
• Feeling guilt or shame after eating.
• Perceiving one’s body size or shape inaccurately.
• Engaging in negative self-talk related to body image.
• A persistent sense of low self-worth, often tied to body weight and shape.
• Seeking validation and self-worth through appearance.

Physical warning signs of OSFED

• Significant weight loss or fluctuations that do not align with a healthy or stable pattern.
• Physical signs of malnutrition, such as brittle nails, thinning hair, or dry skin.
• Lack of energy, tiredness and weakness.
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
• For females, irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
• Disruption in reproductive health due to nutritional deficiencies.
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating, or stomach cramps.
• Irregular bowel movements or signs of malabsorption.

Behavioural warning signs of OSFED

• Following restrictive diets, cutting out entire food groups, or severely limiting caloric intake.
• Obsessive calorie counting or tracking food intake.
• Engaging in excessive exercise as a means of compensating for food intake.
• Using laxatives, diuretics, or other methods to control weight.
• Developing strict rituals or rules around eating, such as eating only at certain times or avoiding specific foods.
• Expressing distress or anxiety when faced with situations involving food.
• Avoidance of social gatherings that involve food.
• Withdrawal from friends and family, especially if food-related activities are involved.

How is OSFED treated?

Typically, the guidance for treatment will be determined by aligning with the specific eating disorder that most closely mirrors your symptoms, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

Treatment centres will usually treat OSFED through a combination of therapy and nutritional support. Here are some of the main options;

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps with recognising and challenging negative thoughts and behaviours linked to food, body image and self-esteem.

• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT): DBT helps with eating disorders by teaching you how to manage intense emotions, enhance self-acceptance and encourage a positive self-image.

• Family therapy: This collaborative therapy involves your family to bolster support for your OSFED recovery. It focuses on strengthening familial bonds, educating loved ones about OSFED, improving communication and relationships and promoting healthy eating habits.

• Group therapy: By creating a supportive environment, group therapy enables the sharing of experiences and connections with others facing various conditions. This encourages a sense of community and facilitates learning from others’ experiences.

• Nutrition education: In-house nutritionists can offer education and guidance on cultivating healthy eating habits. They will usually cover topics such as balanced meals, portion control and working on a positive body image.

Additionally, some treatment centres provide a variety of recreational and holistic activities, including yoga and mindfulness exercises, to support both physical and mental well-being.

FAQ’s/h2>

What does OSFED stand for?

OSFED stands for “Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder.” It is a category of eating disorders that includes individuals who have disordered eating patterns and behaviours but do not meet the specific criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder.