Do no harm! MyNetDiary supports healthy eating behaviors

Food tracking is among the resources helpful to many people, but it is not helpful for those with or at risk for eating disorders. MyNetDiary is committed to supporting healthy eating and behaviors. Learn more about eating disorders and resources to get help.

Eating disorders resources and MyNetDiary

While tracking food and exercise can be a valuable strategy for users wanting to improve their health, unfortunately, it can reinforce unhealthy behaviors for those with or at risk for eating disorders.

MyNetDiary is committed to reducing these risky behaviors by implementing safeguards such as not allowing users to set rapid weight-loss rates or set target weights below a healthy range. We continue to evaluate our site and apps and consider additional strategies to protect our users.

Eating disorders defined

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) notes eating disorders are “serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.”

NEDA describes several common eating disorders below:

Anorexia Nervosa: Weight loss (or lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age, and stature; and, in many individuals, distorted body image. People with anorexia generally restrict the number of calories and the types of food they eat. Some people with the disorder also exercise compulsively, purge via vomiting and laxatives, and/or binge eat.

Bulimia Nervosa: Characterized by a cycle of binging and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating.

Binge Eating Disorder: Recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress, or guilt afterward. It is not associated with regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter binge eating, as in bulimia nervosa.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders: Encompasses individuals who do not meet strict criteria for anorexia or bulimia but still have a significant eating disorder.

Eating disorders screening tools and resources

NEDA offers a brief, online screening tool. Please use this tool if you feel that you might have, or could be at risk for, an eating disorder. Although the tool cannot diagnose an eating disorder, it can heighten self-awareness and be an important cue to seek professional help.

The National Eating Disorders Association

NEDA is a leading eating disorders organization that works to advance research, build community, increase awareness, and offer support for all individuals and families experiencing eating disorders. Their site provides a list of trusted eating disorders resources for treatment.

Eating Disorder Hope

Eating Disorder Hope™ is an online community that offers resources, education, support, and inspiration to those struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, body image issues, and a myriad of other disordered eating behaviors.

The National Alliance for Eating Disorders

A national non-profit organization providing referrals, education, and support for all individuals experiencing eating disorders and their loved ones. They provide a free helpline at: 1-866-662-1235.

Psychology Today

Find a therapist specializing in working with individuals struggling with eating disorders.

MyNetDiary “Terms of Use”

Just as a reminder, you must agree to MyNetDiary’s “Terms of Use” before using the site. MyNetDiary specifically states that “If you currently have or have had anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or other related eating disorders, you are not permitted to use this Site and the Mobile Apps.” This statement exists to protect you. Our overriding concern is your safety.

Eating disorders are harmful, potentially life-threatening disorders, and you should take care to reduce your risk of developing, reigniting, or exacerbating an existing eating disorder.

Please take care of yourself and seek guidance from a qualified eating disorders health professional (your physician can be an excellent resource for a referral).

Eating Disorders->Bulimia Eating Disorders->Anorexia Eating Disorders->Binge Eating Disorder