Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people emotionally, physically and socially. They centre on a person's relationship with food, eating and themselves.
While young women (aged 12 to 20) are more likely to develop an eating disorder, anyone can develop one, regardless of age or gender. There is no one reason why a person will develop a problem with eating; there could be a range of factors involved, including genetic, social, environmental, psychological and biological.
While eating disorders are serious and can be fatal, they are treatable and people can make a full recovery. The journey may be long, but it is possible to get help.
If you feel a need to lose weight, even though you may be considerably underweight. This desire can lead to restricting your eating and/or exercising excessively.
It can cause you to fall into a cycle of eating excessively (binge-eating) and purging - typically through vomiting, over-exercising or using laxatives.
If you are overeating regularly. It is sometimes described as compulsive eating, you may rely on food for emotional support or use it as a way to mask difficult feelings.
Affecting both men and women, binge-eating disorder is more common in adults.
Eating disorders can be a way of coping with feelings of anger, sadness, depression or anxiety. Anyone can be affected and situations will differ for each individual. However, if you're worried about your own health, or a loved one, there are several warning signs you can look out for, including
If you suspect a friend or family member has an eating disorder, it can be difficult to know what to do, but offer support. Be gentle in your approach and let them know you’re there to listen if they want to talk. Your friend may not know they have a problem, or if they do know, they may not be ready to seek help. Fear is a powerful thing and it can be difficult to see a way out of the dark place they're in. Try not to make assumptions and let them know you will be there to help when they are ready.
Treatment is available and recovery is possible. It will usually involve monitoring physical health, as well as taking steps to understand the potential psychological causes and effects. While treatment will depend on the individual and the eating disorder, common options include: