Home 
Eating Disorders Stages of an Eating Disorder
Eating Disorders Stages of an Eating Disorder
Stages of An Eating Disorder
Eating disorders, although they don’t always feel like it, happen in stages. These stages look a little different within each individual’s recovery process, but the basic outline remains the same.
The 5 stages of an eating disorder are:
Pre-contemplation:
• No intention to change
• Unaware of problematic behaviour
Contemplation:
• Aware of problematic behaviour
• Thinking about changing/getting help
• No commitment
Preparation:
• Intention to change
• Planning how to change
Action:
• Change behaviour, environment, thoughts
• Requires commitment
(Relapse is common/normal in this stage)
Maintenance:
• Relapse prevention
• Focus on gains from change
• 6 months onwards (indefinite)
• Leads to stable behaviour
Last revision date: Monday, 06 February 2012 12:44
