Eating, although a fundamental part of life, can become a complex arena filled with anxiety and obsession for many individuals. In America alone, roughly 28.8 million people, or 9% of the population, will deal with an eating disorder in their lifetime. But what's more prevalent? Disordered eating habits, such as frequent dieting, potentially facilitating the development of an eating disorder down the line.

So, what’s the actual difference between these two, and why should you care? Disordered eating habits can be rather elusive. Thanks to our society’s obsession with food choices, idolization of body sizes, and recurrent fad diets, disordered eating scenarios are so pervasive that they've become normalized, often leading to a diagnosable eating disorder later on.

Common signs of disordered eating habits can include skipping meals, relying on diet pills, fearing specific food items, and having constant distressing thoughts about weight, body image, and eating. On the other hand, eating disorders are extreme diet conditions that contain obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body shape that consume most of their day, every day.

The three most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder, each with a unique set of characteristics and side effects. Risk factors for developing an eating disorder might include having a relative with an eating disorder, a history of mental health condition like depression, experiencing teasing or bullying, or even being exposed to certain social or media messages around the 'ideal body'.

How do you spot the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? It boils down to the extent and frequency of the disordered eating behaviors and their impact on your overall health. Here's the scary part. If you're obsessed with your food, weight and shape to a point where it's affecting your daily life, it's time to seek professional help.

In the battle against eating disorders and disordered eating habits, seeking help early significantly increases the chances of recovery. With professional assistance and a comprehensive treatment plan, patients can find their way back to a healthier life. Moreover, introducing healthy coping strategies such as practicing gratitude, trying new activities, utilizing positive affirmations, going for walks, and seeking support from loved ones can be stupendously beneficial.

Remember, recovery can be a long haul, with ups and downs along the journey. Therefore, patience, compassion, and consistent psychological work are prerequisites. The bottom line? Disordered eating, although not classified as a clinical eating disorder, can still profoundly impact mental and physical health. So, if you're catching any warning signs, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional. They’ll help you lay out a plan, debunk diet myths, and wrestle your way towards healthier habits. Because the only thing we should be serious about is our health, not our diets.