You have probably heard of eating disorders. You may suffer from or know someone who suffers from an eating disorder or may have never come across eating disorders before. This blog aims to help raise awareness of what eating disorders are, how they can affect people and provide help and support advice.
WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS?
Eating disorders are an unhealthy relationship with food with can in turn affect physical and mental health. This can be whether the individual restricting food intake or eating excessive amounts of food. (NHS, 2018) Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. However, it is most common in those aged between 13-17 years of age but is not limited to this age group. Different eating disorders are common in different age groups and genders. [1]
TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS
- Anorexia – limiting food intake to reduce weight gain. [1]
- Bulimia – feel guilty or anxious about the food eaten, resulting in the use of laxatives or purposeful vomiting.[1]
- Binge eating disorder – feel guilty due to you only stopping eating when you feel very full. [1]
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) – It is the most common type of eating disorder. [1]
Please see our blog posts for more in depth information on eating disorders.
If you feel you, or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, please reach out for help by booking an appointment with your GP. There are many organisations which offer help for individuals suffering from an eating disorder and support for their family and friends.
- Anorexia and Bulimia Care: http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
- Beat: Eating Disorders:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk - National centre for Eating disorders: http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
- You can also contact your University student Wellbeing Centre.
References:
1. NHS (2018). Eating disorders. London: National Health Service. Available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eating-disorders/. [accessed 21 October 2019].