Anyone can get an eating disorder, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity or background. Some people may not even realise they or a loved one has an eating disorder, so it is important to know what signs to look out for and how to access help.
This Eating Disorders Awareness Week take time to know the signs and how to access support.
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you control food to cope with feelings and situations.
Eating disorders cover a range of unhealthy eating behaviours such as eating too much or too little or worrying about weight and body shape.
Seeking help is vital as most people can recover from an eating disorder with treatment.
Symptoms of an eating disorder
Symptoms can vary between each person, but symptoms of eating disorders include:
- Spending a lot of time worrying about weight and body shape
- Avoiding socialising if food is involved
- Eating very little food
- Having strict routines or habits around food
- Physical signs can include:
- Feeling cold, tired, dizzy
- Weight being very high or low for age
- Problems with digestion, such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
Signs to look out for in someone else
- Dramatic weight loss
- Eating a lot of food very fast
- Avoiding eating around others
- Going to the bathroom a lot after eating
How to get help
If you think you might have an eating disorder, your GP should be your first port of call.
They may then refer to you a specialist eating disorder service.
If you are worried about a loved one who you think may have an eating disorder, let them know you are concerned and encourage them to see their GP. Perhaps offer to go along with them if that would help them feel more comfortable.
Treatment usually depends on the type of eating disorder the person has, but usually includes a talking therapy.
Our all-age eating disorder service
The all-age eating disorder service at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust supports people over the age of eight years old with eating disorders. These could include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders, among others.
People are referred to our service, and our teams work with the person on a recovery programme. The length of the programme depends on the complexity of the eating disorder and is designed to reduce eating disorder symptoms, support physical recovery and encourage psychological change.
Our multi-disciplinary team can give support in one-on-one or group sessions, depending on the needs of the individual. They also work with carers and families to help them learn more about eating disorders and to involve them in their loved one’s care.
For more information and advice on eating disorders, visit the Beat website at: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/