High-Functioning Eating Disorders: Why They’re So Often Missed

In a fast-paced, appearance-driven environment like West Los Angeles, high-functioning eating disorders are more common than many realize — yet they often go unnoticed. These individuals may excel at work, maintain strong social lives, and appear healthy on the outside, all while silently struggling with deeply distressing eating behaviors. Because their symptoms do not always match the stereotypical signs of an eating disorder, they are frequently overlooked by friends, family, and even healthcare providers.

At Century City Psychiatry, we understand how complex and hidden these disorders can be. Under the direct supervision of Dr. Michael Mah, a board-certified psychiatrist, our team provides compassionate, evidence-based support designed to identify the subtler signs of eating disorders and guide patients toward lasting recovery. Our qualified Nurse Practitioners work closely with Dr. Mah to deliver focused, integrative psychiatric care for individuals across Beverly Hills, Century City, Santa Monica, and surrounding communities.

What Is a High-Functioning Eating Disorder?

A high-functioning eating disorder occurs when a person meets the psychological and behavioral criteria for an eating disorder but continues to perform at a high level in their daily life. They may maintain professional responsibilities, social commitments, and family roles, making it easy for loved ones to assume nothing is wrong.

These disorders often fall under categories such as:

• Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: Significant restriction and weight loss, but the individual may not appear underweight.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Cycles of bingeing and purging hidden behind a polished exterior.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Episodes of loss-of-control eating masked by outward success.
• Orthorexia: An obsessive preoccupation with “healthy” eating that disrupts emotional and social well-being.

Because the person may appear stable and functional, many high-functioning eating disorders persist for years before being diagnosed.

Why They’re So Often Missed — Especially in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a culture that often prizes thinness, fitness, and productivity. In West LA communities, from Century City to Santa Monica, people frequently maintain strict diets and intense exercise routines. This environment can normalize behaviors that are actually symptoms of an eating disorder.

There are several reasons these conditions remain undetected:

• Symptoms Masked as “Healthy Habits”: A rigid commitment to dieting or excessive exercise may be praised, not questioned.
• Outward Success Creates a False Sense of Well-Being: Career achievement or social confidence can hide emotional distress and compulsive behaviors.
• Weight Is Not an Accurate Indicator: According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), approximately 40–60 percent of people with eating disorders are not underweight. This leads others to dismiss the possibility of a disorder.
• Isolation Behind Perfectionism: High-achieving individuals, particularly common in Los Angeles’ competitive professional landscape, often mask emotional struggles to maintain an image of control.
• Cultural Pressure: In LA’s entertainment, fitness, and corporate spaces, restrictive eating can be mislabeled as “discipline,” delaying intervention.

These factors make early detection difficult without the trained eye of a mental health professional.

Warning Signs Loved Ones Often Miss

Even when someone appears to be thriving, subtle behaviors may signal a deeper issue:

• Avoiding meals or social events involving food
• Obsessive calorie tracking or food rules
• Compulsive exercise routines
• Secret bingeing or purging behaviors
• Emotional distress around food choices
• Fluctuating weight not explained by medical conditions
• Perfectionism, rigidity, or irritability

If any of these patterns sound familiar, it may be time to seek help.

How Century City Psychiatry Supports High-Functioning Patients

High-functioning eating disorders require thoughtful, individualized treatment that considers the emotional, biological, and environmental factors driving the disorder. At Century City Psychiatry, we take pride in offering:

• Evidence-Based, Integrative Treatment: Under Dr. Mah’s leadership, our team uses approaches such as CBT, DBT, medication management, and tailored psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Compassionate, Experienced Nurse Practitioners: Working under direct supervision, they deliver consistent, high-quality care attuned to the complexities of eating disorders.
• Collaboration With Specialized Eating Disorder Centers: For patients requiring multidisciplinary support — including nutrition, psychotherapy, or residential programs — we coordinate seamless transitions and comprehensive treatment planning.
• Culturally Sensitive Care for West LA Communities: Whether someone works in entertainment, tech, healthcare, or academia, we understand the unique stressors of living and performing in Los Angeles’ high-pressure environment.

You Don’t Have to Struggle Alone

High-functioning eating disorders can be isolating, but they are treatable with the right support. If you or someone you love feels overwhelmed by food, body image, or internal pressure — even while maintaining outward success — help is available.

At Century City Psychiatry, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for eating disorders throughout West Los Angeles and beyond, helping patients reclaim balance, health, and emotional well-being.

Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin your path toward recovery with a compassionate, experienced team by your side.