For some people, food, body image, and routines can feel closely tied to control—like something that always needs to be tracked, counted, or managed. Because of this, some also assume that eating disorders are solely about control. While control can be part of the picture, experts say this idea is often overstated and undermines how complex eating disorders are.
The Complexity of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are not simply about food; they’re complex mental health conditions influenced by genetics, psychology, and environment. While control is sometimes a factor, it rarely explains the full picture. For instance, individuals with anorexia may restrict food intake as a way of managing overwhelming stress, but others may do so in part due to distorted body image or internalized cultural pressures.
Similarly, binge eating disorder is not about a lack of willpower or “loss of control” alone. According to research in the Journal of Eating Disorders, many people binge eat in response to emotional distress, trauma, or biological triggers. In both cases, control plays a role, but it’s not the root cause.
Why the Control Narrative Persists
The “control” narrative persists because it resonates with people’s lived experiences. Many individuals describe their eating disorder behaviors as providing a sense of order when life feels chaotic. This framing can be validating, but it can also oversimplify.
By reducing eating disorders to a matter of “control,” we risk overlooking the role of trauma, anxiety, depression, cultural beauty standards, and neurobiology. Treatment experts warn that while control may be part of the story, focusing too heavily on it can delay more holistic care.
For example, someone struggling with bulimia may feel temporarily “in control” when engaging in disordered eating behaviors, but the underlying issue may stem from emotional regulation challenges, not just control. Recognizing this nuance helps loved ones, clinicians, and clients approach recovery with greater compassion and precision.
Signs Control May Be a Factor
If you or someone you love is struggling, here are common ways “control” may show up in eating disorders:
- Rigid Food Rules: Strict avoidance of certain foods or food groups.
- Ritualized Eating Patterns: Eating at exact times, cutting food into tiny pieces, or following rigid routines.
- Exercise as Punishment: Feeling compelled to burn off every calorie consumed.
- Emotional Relief from Restriction: Experiencing calm or relief when avoiding meals.
- Anxiety Around Change: Increased distress when routines are disrupted.
These behaviors don’t necessarily mean the disorder is caused by control. They may be coping mechanisms layered on top of other biological or psychological drivers.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
The good news: treatment works. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family-Based Therapy (FBT) are highly effective in addressing both symptoms and root causes.
Importantly, these approaches do more than tackle food behaviors. They explore emotional regulation, self-worth, relationships, and even neurobiology. In some cases, medication may also be used to treat co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
If you’re seeking support, working with a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, dietitians, and medical professionals, is critical. Our team offers a collaborative, compassionate approach that addresses both the surface behaviors and deeper struggles tied to eating disorders.
Moving Beyond Simplistic Narratives
Attributing eating disorders solely to issues of control is tempting—it offers a neat explanation. But research and lived experience show that reality is far more layered. Control can be part of the puzzle, but so are biology, trauma, culture, and overall mental health.
Recovery requires us to embrace complexity rather than cling to easy answers. By doing so, we give individuals the dignity of being understood beyond a stereotype. With the right treatment and support, people can move toward healing: not just by “releasing control,” but by developing coping skills and a healthier relationship with themselves.
Be Collaborative Care: A Resource for Comprehensive Support
When navigating the complex world of eating disorders, having the right support system is essential. be Collaborative Care offers a holistic, team-based approach that integrates therapy, nutrition, medical oversight, and community resources. Our philosophy emphasizes individualized care, ensuring that clients aren’t reduced to a single narrative. Instead, we explore each person’s unique history, strengths, and challenges. By fostering collaboration among providers, we create an environment where clients feel seen, understood, and supported in every aspect of recovery. Families, too, benefit from guidance on how to respond without falling into oversimplified assumptions.