Most people are familiar with anorexia, bulimia, and even binge eating disorder. But what about a common eating disorder that encapsulates individuals suffering from a wide range of behaviors? Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, or OSFED, is an eating disorder diagnosis that impacts many but is often not considered as serious as other diagnoses.
Continue reading for a deep dive into the different subtypes of OSFED and more information about why this diagnosis is worthy of treatment and care.
What Is OSFED?
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, or OSFED, is an eating disorder diagnosis that sometimes serves as a “catch-all” category in the world of eating disorders. This eating disorder encapsulates many subtypes that vary in their associated behaviors, and unfortunately, OSFED is not always diagnosed because of its unique nature.
OSFED is not always perceived as a severe eating disorder, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Due to lack of understanding in the medical field, particularly professionals without a background or training in eating disorders, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder is often misdiagnosed or left untreated.
Common OSFED Subtypes
While there are many subtypes of OSFED, here are the five most commonly diagnosed:
- Atypical Anorexia Nervosa is the same as anorexia nervosa except the person's weight isn't dangerously low but remains within healthy ranges.
- Low frequency of binge eating disorder has all of the benchmarks of a binge eating disorder but it doesn't happen as often.
- Purging disorder causes Someone to purge their food without the bingeing component.
- Low frequency of bulimia nervosa happens less often than standard bulimia nervosa but has the same hallmarks.
- Night eating syndrome is categorized as people who wake up during the night to eat or who eat an inordinate amount of food after their final daily meal. This disorder involves recurrent episodes of night eating.
It cannot be overstated that while many of these subtypes are categorized by “low frequency,” that does not mean that they are not serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses. Care is available for those with OSFED, and recovery is possible.
Not-So Atypical
One of the most controversial subtypes of OSFED is atypical anorexia nervosa. This subtype causes a stir because despite being labeled “atypical,” people are two to three times more likely to have atypical anorexia nervosa than anorexia nervosa. This diagnostic label is seen by some as rooted in diet culture, which demonizes some body types while elevating others.
Because people with atypical anorexia are not always in smaller bodies, they may be medically neglected despite the fact that they suffer from the same destructive behaviors and thoughts as someone with anorexia.
The Importance of Timely Care
All subtypes of OSFED are serious mental health disorders and most often require treatment.
If neglected for too long, OSFED can lead to serious physical and mental health implications for those suffering. It is crucial that those with any subtype of Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder receive timely care to prevent the eating disorder from advancing to a more serious state. If you or someone you know needs support for OSFED, we are here to help.
Clinically Reviewed By
Nick Kahm, PhD
Co-Founder
Nick Kahm, a former philosophy faculty member at St. Michael's College in Colchester, VT, transitioned from academia to running the Kahm Clinic with his mother. He started the clinic to train dietitians in using Metabolic Testing and Body Composition Analysis for helping people with eating disorders. Now, he is enthusiastic about expanding eating disorder treatment through the Kahm Center for Eating Disorders in Vermont.
