In a sense, I believe so, but more so I think it's a distraction. One of many distractions a person can use (excessive work, tv, drugs, social gatherings, exercise, etc.). From what I've learned and understand, eating disorders are merely a sign of something emotionally troubling going on. It gives a person who feels like they've lost control of many things in their life some sense of control. What you eat (orthorexia), or how much you eat (anorexia, bulimia) allows the person to feel in control of something. During my eating disorder I feel as though I used it because I couldn't control all of my pain/symptoms, but I could eat a "perfect" diet.