Text Link

Learn more about the results we get at Within

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Learn more about the results we get at Within

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Unpacking the fear of eating in front of others

For many of us, sharing meals with others or going out to eat are the primary ways we socialize and celebrate special events, like holidays or birthdays. We may plan a dinner out to reconnect with our spouse, or host a large potluck when getting together with friends.

While eating with friends and loved ones is a common way to connect, for some people, the process of eating in front of others can be quite anxiety-provoking. Those who develop a fear of eating with others may have an underlying mental health condition, and, in some cases, they may be living with an eating disorder.

How Within Health can help

Radical self-love and acceptance - Work to develop a deep appreciation and acceptance of who you are and all of the unique and special qualities you bring to the world.

We offer virtual care

4
 minutes read
Last updated on 
February 6, 2023
January 18, 2024
In this article

What is the fear of eating in front of others?

A person who has a fear of eating in front of others will avoid social situations that require them to consume food around other people.

They may avoid social gatherings altogether, and they are unlikely to eat in restaurants. This is because the act of eating around other people produces great anxiety and discomfort. 

People who have anxiety related to eating in front of others may be worried they will be judged for what they are eating or how they are eating. They may also experience a sense of shame if they feel others are viewing them negatively for eating too much.

two people in the kitchen

How does fear of eating in front of others develop?

The fear of eating in front of others is a form of anxiety. It may develop as a symptom of social anxiety disorder, which occurs in people who have a fear of being judged or rejected in social situations. (1) 

For someone with social anxiety disorder, eating in front of other people can be incredibly distressing, because the person with the disorder worries they will be judged negatively. When it occurs as a result of social anxiety disorder, the fear of eating in front of others can lead people to feel quite self-conscious, and they may have physiological symptoms, such as an upset stomach, racing heart, and sweaty palms when faced with a situation where they are expected to eat with others. 

Fear of eating around others can also be a symptom of an eating disorder.

Anorexia
Bulimia
Binge eating disorder
two people eating at a table

The overlap between social anxiety and eating disorders

Mental health conditions and eating disorders often occur hand-in-hand, so, in some cases, a person may have both social anxiety and an eating disorder, which can heighten the fear of eating in front of others. A recent study found that fear of eating in public was a common symptom of both eating disorders and social anxiety. (5)

Not everyone who has an eating disorder has social anxiety disorder, and, similarly, not everyone with social anxiety has an eating disorder. But the overlap between these two conditions could explain why fear of eating in public develops, in some cases.

{{link-bank-one-column}}

Overcoming fear of eating in front of others

Regardless of whether it is from a mental health condition, an eating disorder, or a combination of the two, the fear of eating around others comes from underlying anxiety. If you struggle with a fear of eating in public, treatment is the first step toward breaking free from your anxiety. If you’re living with an eating disorder, a treatment program can help you heal your relationship with food and develop new ways of thinking about eating and body image, so you’re comfortable enjoying meals with others again.

If social anxiety is a contributing factor, a therapist can help you to confront your fear of eating in front of others. A specific form of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you to overcome negative thoughts surrounding eating, which can alleviate some of the anxiety you experience with eating in public. (1) Another type of therapy, called exposure therapy, allows you to work alongside a therapist while gradually confronting your fear of eating in front of other people. You may begin by talking about your fear, then move forward with imagining yourself eating in front of other people, and eventually finish by going out in public and eating, with your therapist guiding you.

Reaching out for help for mental health and eating disorders can feel frightening, but you have so much to gain from overcoming your fear of eating in front of others. You’ll be able to enjoy social gatherings and meals out again, without suffering from distress or fears of being judged.

86%

of those who complete our treatment program report reduced eating disorder symptoms

The Within results

Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.

Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.

Resources

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness 
  2. Anorexia nervosa. National Eating Disorders Association. (2018, February 28). Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/anorexia 
  3. Bulimia nervosa. National Eating Disorders Association. (2018, February 22). Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bulimia 
  4. Binge eating disorder. National Eating Disorders Association. (2018, February 22). Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bed 
  5. Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L. C., Vanzhula, I., Christian, C., Jones, P., Rodebaugh, T. L., Langer, J. K., White, E. K., Warren, C., Weeks, J. W., Menatti, A., Lim, M. H., & Fernandez, K. C. (2018). Social anxiety and eating disorder comorbidity and underlying vulnerabilities: Using network analysis to conceptualize comorbidity. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 51(7), 693–709. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22890

FAQs

What is deipnophobia?

Deipnophobia is a social anxiety disorder where an individual is anxious about dining in public or taking part in dinner conversations. It is not listed in the DSM-5 but could be considered a social phobia/social anxiety disorder. Deipnophobia symptoms could include avoidance, fear, elevated heart rate, sweating, and nausea when in a situations where the individual might be forced to eat in front of others. Deipnophobia treatment typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy.

Why do I feel uncomfortable eating in front of others?

Having a fear of eating in public or being embarrassed to eat in front of others could be the result of many factors. One such reason is the presence of an anxiety disorder or an eating disorder. A medically trained professional can help diagnose any underlying issues you might have as well as help provide treatment options.

Further reading

Healthy eating and eating disorder education for college students

Attending college is an exciting milestone, offering new levels of freedom and independence. But it’s also...

Black History Month spotlight: Mamie Phipps Clark—Redefining equality in a segregated world

Scientific studies are often considered the closest thing to objective truth. And not without reason. To be...

Is fasting an eating disorder?

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) are...

How to maintain a healthy eating schedule in college

College can be one of the most exciting transitions in a person’s life. For many, it provides the first...

What is neuroplasticity?

The ability to change and adapt is often considered essential to mental health. But it’s also a critical...

Fighting fatphobia in healthcare (Part 2): IAEDP urges AAP to revise harmful guidelines for childhood “obesity”

In part two of Fighting Fatphobia in Healthcare, we explain more reasons why the International Association...

Fighting fatphobia in healthcare (Part 1): IAEDP addresses harmful AAP guidelines for childhood “obesity”

In its new guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with "obesity," the...

How to treat eating disorders at home

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect millions of people around the world. In...

What is fatphobia?

In a world that's long been deeply influenced by the ideals of diet culture, people with certain body...

Different types of hunger

Hunger is a complex and multifaceted physical sensation that is felt in the body. Understanding the types...

Fasting vs. anorexia

Fasting and intermittent fasting (IF) are popular methods of energy consumption that limit eating to...

Tirzepatide for weight loss (Mounjaro)

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was approved in 2022 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2...

What are atypical eating disorders?

Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED) are among some of the most...

Challenges in BIPOC eating disorders: Prevalence, bias, and treatment barriers

It is a common misconception that eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and...

How do eating disorders affect the heart?

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN), binge eating disorder (BED), and bulimia nervosa (BN) can...

"You're not sick enough": Eating disorder misconceptions

Eating disorders are treatable conditions that people can fully recover from if they get help...

How the gut and brain are connected

Medical experts have long been exploring the relationship between the gut and your physical health, mental...

Eating disorder symptoms

Just as every person is different, so is every experience of an eating disorder. Different conditions can...

The relationship between grief and eating disorders

Experiencing a significant loss, whether you lose a loved one, relationship, passion, job, or home, can...

What causes eating disorders?

When you or one of your loved ones is suffering from an eating disorder, it may be tempting to look for...

What are the different types of eating disorders?

There are many different types of eating disorders, each with its own unique set of challenges in treatment.

Diabetes and eating disorders

Diabetes and eating disorders are both serious conditions that can negatively affect a person’s physical...

Effects of eating disorders on your health

Conditions like bulimia nervosa (BN), anorexia nervosa (AN), binge eating disorder (BED), and other eating...

Disordered eating vs. eating disorder

While disordered eating and an eating disorder share many risk factors, signs...

Eating disorders in the military population

Eating disorders affect the military population, due in part to the...

How long can you go without food?

Just how long can the body go without food? And what are the implications...

How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

Following a balanced way of eating that provides the body with the fuel and...

Unpacking the fear of eating in front of others

For many of us, sharing meals with others or going out to eat are the primary ways...

The differences between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa (BN) and anorexia nervosa (AN) are two of the most well-known eating disorders, but many...

Sleep and eating disorders

Sleeping and eating share a very intimate relationship, as they are both essential...

Bulimia vs binge eating: the differences between eating disorders

Bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) are two different eating disorders...

What causes an eating disorder: A biopsychosocial perspective

Eating disorders are complex and severe psychiatric illnesses that can have many causes. The biopsychosocial..

Signs a loved one may be at risk of an eating disorder relapse

Recovery is a lifelong process for those who have struggled or...

8 eating disorder myths

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) are...

Further reading

No items found.