OSFED

OSFED is the acronym for “Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder.” It is a term used to describe disordered eating that doesn’t quite fit into other eating disorder categories. But make no mistake – OSFED is a very serious condition that can impact your physical and emotional health in big ways.

The term OSFED replaced “Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified” (EDNOS) a few years ago to better recognise the different ways eating disorders can show up. While many people have still not heard of OSFED, it is actually the most common of all eating disorders, making up around half of all cases.

As you will see below, OSFED eating disorder symptoms can vary depending on what form it takes. However, here are some general signs that you may be suffering from an eating disorder:

• You’re always thinking about food, weight or dieting.
• You feel upset about how your body looks, even when others say you’re fine.
• You skip meals or eat very little, even when you’re hungry.
• Food feels like the only way to deal with stress, sadness or frustration.
• You have habits around food, like eating in secret or cutting it into tiny pieces.
• You avoid eating with friends or family because it feels too stressful.
• You brush off people’s worries about your eating habits.
• Food makes you feel anxious, guilty or sad.
• You tell yourself there’s no problem, even though deep down you might feel there is.

Once you have identified these signs, you can then begin to look at your issues with eating more closely.

What makes OSFED unique is how varied it can be. There are different types and subtypes, each with its own challenges. Some of the most common include:

Atypical anorexia nervosa

This happens when someone has all the symptoms of anorexia – like extreme weight loss and fear of eating – but their weight is still considered “normal” or even above average. This is usually because they started at a higher weight before their struggles began.

OSFED nervosa (low frequency/short duration)

This type of OSFED includes binge eating and purging, but it happens less often or hasn’t been going on for as long.

Binge-eating disorder (low frequency/short duration)

This is when someone binge eats but not as often or for as long as what is needed for a full BED diagnosis.

Purging disorder

Purging disorder is when someone purges – like vomiting, using laxatives or over-exercising – to control their weight or shape but without binge eating. It is this purging without binge eating that separates it from OSFED which involves both behaviours.

Night eating syndrome (NED)

NED is when someone eats a lot late at night, either after waking up or having extra food after dinner. It is not caused by things like shift work or cultural habits that can cause understandable night eating but by an uncontrollable need to eat.

The causes of OSFED can be complicated, often involving a mix of personal struggles, family history and outside pressures. While OSFED may look different from other eating disorders, the reasons behind it are often very similar, including:

Your family

Research shows that eating disorders, including OSFED, often run in families because of genes and the environment you were brought up in. If someone in your family has struggled with an eating disorder or even a mental health issue, it might make you more likely to develop similar challenges.

Psychological factors

Anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia can be both triggers for and consequences of OSFED. People with OSFED are also more likely to have gone through difficult experiences like trauma or abuse. These can shape the way they think about their bodies or can also cause them to use food as a way to express or punish themselves or even just to feel control over some part of their lives.

Outside pressures

Your surroundings can also shape how you feel about food and your body. Things like social media, cultural expectations, work stress and even big life changes can all make it harder to feel good about yourself which can lead to OSFED.

Dieting gone too far

What starts as “just a diet” can sometimes get out of control. Cutting back on food might feel like a way to stay in control, but it can quickly turn into harmful habits that are hard to stop.

OSFED can be incredibly destructive, causing extensive health issues and problems in every area of your life. The way it impacts you depends on how OSFED manifests, but some of the biggest dangers include:

• Stomach problems like pain or bloating
• Struggling with sadness or depression
• Dangerous weight loss or gain
• Weakness and low energy levels
• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
• Missing out on important nutrients your body needs
• Damaged teeth, hair or skin
• Stress on vital organs, like your heart or kidneys
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Self-harming or suicidal thoughts

Some of these dangers can even be life-threatening if left unaddressed, which is why seeking prompt OSFED treatment is so important.

OSFED treatment takes place at Banbury Lodge, Liberty House’s partner centre, and one of the UK’s leading eating disorder specialists. If OSFED has left you feeling weak or unwell, the first job is to help you feel physically stronger. This might mean getting medical help before rehab treatment for malnutrition, dehydration or any other serious health problems.
When your body feels ready, the focus shifts to understanding what’s going on inside your mind. At Banbury Lodge, therapy sessions can help you improve your relationship with food and discover why it has become so dysfunctional.
You will also explore relaxing activities like gentle yoga, creative art therapy and calming meditation to quieten the chaotic thoughts that fuel eating disorders. OSFED can be very traumatic for families, so we invite those closest to you into our family support programme, which will comfort, heal and educate your loved ones.
Learning to eat in a healthier way is a big part of effective OSFED treatment. During your stay, a private chef will prepare your meals and help you understand what balanced eating looks like. You will also leave with a simple eating plan to follow so you can keep those healthy habits going long after rehab.
When it’s time to return home, our aftercare will make sure you’re not doing it alone. For a whole year, you can join free weekly group therapy sessions to share how you’re feeling and get advice when you need it. You will also join our Alumni Programme, a supportive community where you can stay in touch with others in recovery, meet new people and even attend fun events and social gatherings.

Recovering from OSFED means healing your relationship with food, your body and yourself. Banbury Lodge has helped so many people work through their personal struggles and overcome the challenges of OSFED. Contact Banbury Lodge today – with our help, lasting health and happiness are available right now.