When it’s time for service-required body composition or fitness assessments, have you ever resorted to extreme measures such as strict dieting or excessive exercise to meet standards? Or maybe you know someone who has. These practices might seem normal, or even optimal, but they don’t offer a long-term solution and pose a threat to your health and performance.
What is disordered eating?
Disordered eating describes irregular and unhealthy eating behaviors, and attitudes toward food and body image that have negative consequences on health, but don’t necessarily meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. Some of these behaviors are frequent dieting, episodes of overeating, or a preoccupation with food. In the military, these practices are often used as weight-control strategies or to meet fitness standards, and can often be hidden under the guise of “health.” Disordered eating isn’t the same as clinically diagnosed eating disorders. The diagnosis of disorders such as binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, or anorexia nervosa all require specific diagnostic criteria and must be made by a qualified health provider. However, disordered eating behaviors are still cause for concern.
Why disordered eating can be a problem
You might think there’s no harm in relying on drastic measures to make weight, especially if it’s just once in a while. Unfortunately, even occasional patterns of disordered eating can impact your body’s functions, physical performance, and mental well-being.
When you deprive your body of the calories and nutrients it needs, you can feel weak, hungry, tired, or light-headed. This certainly isn’t ideal if you’re trying to pass a fitness test or perform your job well. If you continue to restrict your food intake, you might also experience dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, digestive problems, decreased bone density, reduced muscle strength, increased risk of injury, poor cognitive performance, or hormone irregularities.
In addition, low energy availability, or underfueling, can contribute to a condition known in athletes as relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). RED-S is a syndrome that arises when energy intake (calories in) does not support energy expenditure (calories burned), resulting in various physiological and psychological impairments. This term has recently expanded to include the military population—relative energy deficiency in military (RED-M). RED-M takes into consideration the conditions that are unique to Service Members such as severe sleep deprivation and prolonged periods of mental or physical stress without proper facilities or rest periods.
What to look out for
Disordered-eating behaviors aren’t always obvious, but it’s important to look out for warning signs if you or someone you know is struggling. A few of the many signs to look out for are:
- Frequent dieting or extreme dietary restrictions
- Obsession with weight or body image
- Avoiding food because you’re worried about how it might affect your weight or shape
- Preoccupation with counting calories or macronutrient amounts
- Using excessive exercise to “make up for bad food choices”
- Weight fluctuations
- Laxative misuse or use of diet pills, cleanses, or detoxes
- Using weight loss supplements or products to replace meals
- Mood swings, stress, or anxiety when eating
- Ammonia smell after workouts
- Dizziness or fainting
- Muscle weakness or excessive cramping
- Longer recovery times between workouts
- Using weight-loss medications prescribed by someone other than your military healthcare provider
Disordered eating in the military
Disordered eating is a growing concern in the military. Some evidence suggests greater than one-third of Service Members engage in unhealthy weight-control behaviors. Weight cycling—cycles of intentional weight loss followed by unintentional weight gain—is a common behavior that has been reported. The practice of weight cycling is associated with negative effects on health and performance, such as lower muscle mass, reduced strength, and increased risk of chronic disease later in life.
Although the number of formal eating-disorder diagnoses between military and civilian populations is similar, rates in the military appear to be rising. Service Members also report a high frequency of certain weight-control practices such as laxative use and excessive exercise. Actual numbers are thought to be higher than reported because some people try to hide disordered eating practices for fear of stigma or negative consequences.
Disordered eating can develop for a number of different reasons, but some aspects of military life seem to increase the risk. The emphasis on weight and fitness standards, regimented lifestyles, combat exposure, and trauma are all potential risk factors. Mental-health conditions—post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety—are also linked to irregular eating behaviors. Just because you experience any one of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop disordered-eating habits, but they can certainly play a role.
How to get support
If you recognize signs of disordered eating in yourself or in someone you know, it’s important to get professional help. You might be hesitant to seek help because you’re embarrassed or worried you might hurt your military career, but your physical and mental well-being are at stake. Early treatment can prevent disordered eating from getting worse and help you recover faster.
Start by confiding in someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to. A counselor or trusted provider at your local medical treatment facility can help you. You can also seek help from the National Eating Disorders Association, and they can guide you toward the resources and support you might need. If you’re not ready to open up, there are self-help options—such as workbooks or smartphone apps—you might find helpful too. These tools are not replacements for professional treatment, but they can help you start your journey toward recovery.
If you want to lose body fat, gain muscle, or find more balance in your diet overall, work with a Registered Dietitian (RD) to develop a healthy and sustainable eating pattern to meet your goals. An RD can also help you create and foster a healthier relationship with food.
Disordered eating can threaten your health and might prevent you from performing at your best. Be aware of the warning signs and take advantage of available resources if you or someone you know needs help.
Updated: January 28, 2026
