Eating disorders
Many of us have faced societal pressures in relation to body image, leading to moments of concern about our eating habits. However, when these concerns become persistent and disruptive, they may indicate an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are a rising concern in the UK, with around 1 in 50 people having some form of eating disorder. They can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, some groups are more vulnerable to eating disorders than others, such as young people and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In Scotland, over 1 in 4 people between 16-24 report two or more symptoms. Those identifying as LGBTQ+ are up to three time more likely to develop an eating disorder.
Spotting the signs of an eating disorder can be challenging due to the stigma surrounding body image and mental health. If left unaddressed, eating disorders can lead to severe health complications, including certain mental health conditions, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Creating open, supportive conversations helps reduce stigma and ensures people can access the support they need.
common myths about eating disorders
Having an eating disorder is a lifestyle choice
Eating disorders are legitimate mental health challenges that must be taken seriously. Those with anorexia are five time more likely to die prematurely from their illness and it can have long-term effects on people’s wellbeing.
Eating disorders only affect women
They affect men too. Around 25% of people with eating disorders are male with a rising trend of hospital admissions for boys and young men.
Ignoring an eating disorder will make it go away
Shrugging it off can exacerbate eating disorders. Acknowledging and addressing them, whether through self-help strategies or professional support, is crucial for finding effective ways to cope and move forward.
Causes and risk factors
There is not one singular cause. Eating disorders can stem from various factors, including:
- Genetic factors: A family history of eating disorders may increase an individual’s vulnerability.
- Psychological factors: Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or even low self-esteem, can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Similarly, some conditions can co-occur with eating disorders, such as bipolar, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
- Societal pressures: Unrealistic beauty standards and societal expectations, often reinforced by social media, can impact body image and eating behaviours.
- Trauma: Past traumatic experiences, such as abuse or bullying, may increase risk of eating disorders as a coping mechanism and lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Personality traits: Traits, such as perfectionism or a desire for control, may increase vulnerability.
- Life changes: Life changes, such as being diagnosed with diabetes or being pregnant, can lead to eating disorders. Even after giving birth, challenges with perinatal and postnatal mental health can co-occur with eating disorders.
It’s important to note that being neurodivergent can contribute to developing an eating disorder. This is especially true for autistic people, who may have sensory issues leading to developing ARFID – Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Research suggests that up to 30% of those diagnosed with anorexia are autistic.
Symptoms
The symptoms of eating disorders vary and not everyone will experience the same signs. Some common indicators include:
- Obsession with body weight and shape
- Severe restriction or excessive consumption of food
- Purging behaviours, such as vomiting or excessive exercise
- Distorted body image
- Social withdrawal, especially if food is involved.
If you think you may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek help from a GP as soon as you can.
What are the different types of eating disorders?
Eating disorders encompass various conditions, each presenting distinct symptoms. Some of the most common types include:
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa involves deliberately restricting food intake and engaging in excessive exercise to maintain an extremely low body weight, often accompanied by a distorted body image and a desire for control.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by recurring cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain, impacting both physical and mental health.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
BED entails consuming large quantities of food in a short time, leading to discomfort, without compensatory purging behaviours, often resulting in feelings of guilt and shame.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Characterised by limited food preferences, avoidance of certain foods or textures and restrictions in overall food intake that can result in nutritional deficiencies, weight loss and difficulties in daily living. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about weight or body shape.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
OSFED is a common diagnosis for individuals not fitting specific eating disorder criteria, serving to cope with emotions and assert control over their lives.
How can an eating disorder affect my mental health?
Eating disorders often impact mental health in many ways beyond food and eating behaviours. In fact, over 50% of those with an eating disorder have another mental health condition, with the two often influencing each other.
- Depression can increase the risk of disordered eating, and eating disorders can worsen or trigger depressive symptoms. This can often be reinforced through negative body image, emotional distress and unhealthy coping behaviours.
- Anxiety can drive food restriction or other changes to eating habits as coping mechanisms, while eating disorders can increase anxiety through fear of food weight and loss of control.
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can drive dissatisfaction with appearance, which may lead to disordered eating to achieve a desired body image. In turn, eating disorders often worsen distorted body image and appearance-related distress.
- Eating disorders are also strongly linked to suicidal thoughts, as intense emotional distress, low self-worth and feelings of hopelessness can increase risk.
How do I manage my eating disorder?
Effectively managing an eating disorder involves a combination of self-care strategies and getting support.
Seek professional help: Speaking with a therapist provides a supportive space to develop healthy coping strategies. They may recommend therapies, such as CBT or DBT, to challenge unhelpful thoughts about food and body image. Medication may also be suggested to help manage low mood or anxiety.
Identify and understand your triggers: This self-awareness enables individuals to anticipate and prepare for challenging situations.
Develop a routine that helps you build healthier habits: This can include planning balanced meals, incorporating gentle regular exercise, spending time with friends and family and engaging in hobbies, which can all positively impact overall wellbeing.
Use therapeutic techniques: Mindfulness, grounding and cognitive-behavioural strategies, may aid in addressing unhealthy thought patterns and reduce emotional distress.
Set realistic goals: Break tasks into smaller steps and practice positive self-talk to contribute to a more manageable mindset.
How do I support someone with an eating disorder?
If you know someone struggling with an eating disorder, it can be hard to know what to say or what you can do to help. Support requires empathy, patience and open communication
Be a shoulder to lean on: Gently open the conversation and express your concerns about their mental health. They may not be ready to talk at first, so be patient and let them know you’re there when they are. Avoid rushing them, as this can cause distress, and focus on creating a safe, non-judgemental space for them to share.
Educate yourself: Learning about eating disorders can provide insight into their struggles, help identify coping mechanisms and promote self-care.
Suggest talking to a GP: You can offer to attend appointments with them if they are afraid of seeking help. Offer support and encouragement in all their efforts to make positive changes, no matter how small and try to maintain support. Remember to also check in with family, friends and colleagues, as they may need guidance to support someone with an eating disorder.
If their symptoms are severe, encourage them to seek professional help. You can check reputable mental health resources for more information on supporting individuals with eating disorders on the NHS website.
contact
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
Other support
Beat is a leading charity for eating disorder support. Contact their helpline on 0808 801 0432 (Monday – Friday, 3pm – 8pm), use their webchat or send an email.
Organisations like SupportED or NEEDS offer various forms of support, including peer support groups, befriending and support for carers of people diagnosed with eating disorders.
Our support page lists additional places you can contact if you need help.
