Diets are the number one risk factor for developing an eating disorder, especially in those that have a high genetic predisposition. The food-restricting mentality behind diets sends a maladapted message that often leads to body dissatisfaction, and although a majority of people will be able to go off the diet, a small percentage of people will begin to enter into the pitfalls of eating disorders. However, not all diets will lead to developing an eating disorder, nor are they guaranteed to bring about sustained healthy eating behaviours or a return to a healthy weight.

It is often misconceived that people with eating disorders could easily stop it, achieve a healthy weight and adopt a more helpful coping mechanism instead. However, this is not possible without expert eating disorder treatment. It is critical to understand that there are many perpetuating factors that maintain eating disorder behaviours in place. In the world of eating disorder treatment, we use the biopsychosocial model term to explain that all eating disorders have several precipitating factors, from genetic, to biochemical, nutritional, psychological, emotional and even social factors. This can make the process of recovery long and arduous for some. However, what must be noted is recovery from eating disorders is possible with the right qualified approach, the right team and most importantly a personalized method.

Many people with eating disorders are unable to recognize that they are ill, nor are they able to realize the severity of their condition. Similar to that of a substance or alcohol user, a person with eating disorders will go through what is known as ‘stages of change’, which represents where a person is at with respect to their readiness, willingness, ability and active participation in their process of recovery. Many people with eating disorders will be afraid of change although they might be desperate to change. Ambivalence is common and is something that a person has to learn how to work through.