Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) is a clinical category of disordered eating that describes individuals suffering from maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to food, eating and body image, but who do not meet all the diagnostic criteria for another specific diagnosis like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

 

Examples of OSFED:

• Atypical anorexia nervosa (weight is not below normal)

• Bulimia nervosa (with less frequent behaviors)

• Purging disorder (purging without binge eating)

• Night eating syndrome (excessive nighttime food consumption)

 

If you are concerned about your eating and exercise habits and your thoughts and emotions concerning food, activity and body image, we urge you to consult an eating disorder expert.Formerly referred to as eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), OSFED is believed to affect between four to six percent of the population.

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This does not mean that the person has a less serious eating disorder. OSFED is a serious mental illness that occurs in adults, adolescents and children. Around 30% of people who seek treatment for an eating disorder have OSFED.The reasons for developing OSFED will differ from person to person; known causes include genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental, social and cultural factors.

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People with OSFED commonly present with extremely disturbed eating habits, and/or a distorted body image and/or overvaluation of shape and weight and/or an intense fear of gaining weight (if underweight). OSFED is the most common eating disorder diagnosed for adults as well as adolescents, and affects both males and females.