eating disorders

Eating disorders are not simply vain girls trying to look like celebrities, they can destroy the lives of men and women. Conditions include anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating and are very serious.

anorexia nervosa
Someone suffering from anorexia will greatly reduce what they eat. This can lead to drastic weight lose, sometimes to dangerous levels.

A person with anorexia is constantly struggling between not wanting to put on weight and not wanting to starve to death - it's an extremely distressing illness for everyone who comes into contact with it.

Signs that someone may be anorexic include losing a great deal of weight, denying that they feel hungry, believing that they look fat even though they are seriously underweight and taking drastic measures to avoid putting on weight.

Download a factsheet for more information on Eating Distress.

Help and support...

If you are concerned that you or someone you know has an eating disorder, try visiting b-eat.co.uk - the leading UK charity for people with eating disorders and their families.

bulimia
Bulimia means eating a large amount of food and trying to undo the effects, usually by not eating again for a long time of by vomiting.

Bulimia is more common than anorexia but more difficult to spot because sufferers remain roughly the same weight. Someone with bulimia may have bad skin and teeth, due to dehydration and from stomach acid eroding tooth enamel.

Eating disorders can be treated. The best start towards recovery is by getting support, either from friends or family or from organisations like Beat. It is important to visit your GP for treatment.

Download a factsheet for more information on Eating Distress.

Help and support...

If you are concerned that you or someone you know has an eating disorder, try visiting b-eat.co.uk - the leading UK charity for people with eating disorders and their families.