Am I More Likely to Develop Another Eating Disorder If I Already Have One?
The short answer is yes, having one eating disorder (ED) increases the risk of developing another, but it’s not inevitable. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can help you stay on a path toward full recovery rather than shifting between different ED behaviors.
Why Are People With One Eating Disorder at Higher Risk for Another?
Common Reasons for “Switching” Eating Disorders:
· Underlying Emotional & Psychological Patterns
o Eating disorders are often rooted in perfectionism, control, anxiety, or trauma
o If the core emotional struggles aren’t addressed, one ED behavior may be replaced by another
· Diet Culture & “Quasi-Recovery”
o Some individuals stop one ED behavior but continue restrictive or obsessive patterns in a different form (e.g., replacing binge eating with overexercising)
o “Healthier” ED behaviors (like orthorexia or clean eating) may feel socially acceptable but are still disordered
· Fear of Weight Changes
o Some people in recovery panic about weight restoration and shift to a new ED behavior to regain control
§ Example: A person recovering from anorexia might develop bulimia or compulsive exercise to maintain a lower weight
· Biological & Genetic Factors
o Some people are genetically predisposed to disordered eating, making them more likely to shift between different ED types over time
· Malnutrition & Brain Chemistry Changes
o Starvation or nutrient deficiencies can increase obsessive thoughts, impulsivity, and anxiety, making it easier to fall into new disordered habits
· If the underlying emotional, psychological, and nutritional factors aren’t fully addressed, ED behaviors may “morph” into a new form
What Are the Most Common Eating Disorder Shifts?
Typical Eating Disorder “Crossovers” Include:
Original ED
Often Transitions Into…
Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
Orthorexia, Bulimia, Binge-Eating Disorder, Compulsive Exercise
Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
Anorexia, Orthorexia, Compulsive Exercise
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)
Bulimia, Orthorexia, Extreme Dieting, Compulsive Exercise
Orthorexia (Obsession With “Clean Eating”)
Anorexia, Compulsive Exercise, Bulimia
Compulsive Exercise
Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia
Recovery is not just about stopping one ED behavior—it’s about breaking ALL disordered patterns.
How Can I Prevent Switching From One Eating Disorder to Another?
· Fully Heal Your Relationship With Food
o Move toward intuitive eating
§ Listen to hunger & fullness cues instead of rigid rules
o Challenge lingering food fears
§ If you still categorize foods as “good” or “bad,” you may be at risk of shifting into orthorexia
o Aim for full nutritional recovery
§ Malnourishment fuels obsessive thoughts and eating disorder behaviors.
· Address the Emotional Root of Your Eating Disorder
o What role did your ED serve? (Control? Numbing emotions? Avoiding stress?)
o Work with a therapist on emotional regulation (DBT, CBT, or trauma-focused therapy can help)
o Develop alternative coping skills → Journaling, deep breathing, movement for enjoyment, art, or social connection
· Watch for “Sneaky” ED Thoughts in Recovery
o Are you still thinking about food 24/7, even if you’re eating more?
o Are you over-exercising to “make up” for eating?
o Are you becoming obsessed with “clean” eating?
o Are you compensating for binges by restricting food later?
· If you recognize these patterns, it’s time to seek support before they turn into a new ED.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or crisis intervention service immediately.
