Eating disorders

People in background with picture of food on table Eating disorders can affect anyone. There are a few different types and each disorder has different symptoms. Help is available from your doctor or some specialist organisations.

What is an eating disorder?

People who suffer from an eating disorder use food to help them cope with stress or difficult situations – often without realising it. They use food in order to stay in control of their life and their emotions. It can stop them making realistic decisions about what they eat and how much they should eat.

There are many reasons why people can develop an eating disorder. These include:

long-term illness or disability
family strife or a death in the family
pressure at school, including bullying
being abused
worries about their personal appearance
lack of self-esteem

What are the signs?

Someone who has an eating disorder may show some of the following symptoms:

always weighing themselves or examining themselves in the mirror
being frightened of gaining weight or looking overweight
thinking they are grossly overweight
binge eating followed by forced vomiting or fasting
using laxatives and water-tablets without any apparent need
compulsive exercise
secret eating with the same kind of food
hoarding secret supplies of food

Getting help

If left untreated, eating problems can seriously affect your health.

If you think you or one of your friends or relatives have an eating disorder, talk to a doctor. They can suggest ways of treating the problem and give you details of support groups in your local area.

Specialist help is available for those who need it.

The Eating Disorders Association NI, provides support and helplines for adults and young people with eating disorders and their families, including an email service.