Eating Disorders

What is it?

An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations. Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.

Around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from these illnesses, many in secret. They are of all ages, genders and backgrounds – eating disorders do not discriminate. Eating disorders include bulimia, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), and anorexia, which tragically has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, though all eating disorders can be deadly. 

While this is the worst-case scenario, there are many ways in which eating disorders severely affect the quality of life of both those suffering and those who care about them. They steal childhoods, devastate relationships and pull families apart. But, with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/about-beat/

Symptoms of eating disorders include:

• Spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape

• Avoiding socialising when you think food will be involved

• Eating very little food

• Making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat

• Exercising too much

• Having very strict habits or routines around food

• Changes in your mood such as being withdrawn, anxious or depressed

You may also notice physical signs, including:

• Feeling cold, tired or dizzy

• Pains, tingling or numbness in your arms and legs (poor circulation)

• Feeling your heart racing, fainting or feeling faint

• Problems with your digestion, such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea

• Your weight being very high or very low for someone of your age and height

• Not getting your period or other delayed signs of puberty

Ameilia's Story

Support

BEAT eating disorders - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Information for people with eating disorders and support and training for those trying to support anyone with an eating disorder. 

Adult helpline - 08088010677

Youth helpline - 08088010711

GP -

If you think you may have an eating disorder, see a GP as soon as you can.

A GP will ask about your eating habits and how you're feeling, plus check your overall health and weight.

They may refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists. It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment.

Anorexia and bulimia care - https://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Provides on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders and eating distress. 1:1 support calls, online support groups and other support services are available to those struggling personally, their family, carers and friends.

Seed - https://seed.charity/

Seed was created by those who have personal experiences of eating disorders. Although it is not a clinical service, you will receive signposting information, support and advice. 

Overeaters anonymous - https://www.oagb.org.uk/

You can attend meetings, work through the steps to help with your issue and access their help tools. 

Personalised eating disorder support - https://www.pedsupport.co.uk/

Offers initial assessments, devised support plans and signposting support.