Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is a problem with how we think about food. We stop eating simply because we're hungry, and start trying to control what we eat. Usually it starts because we think we're too fat, and that things will get better if we weighed less.

Most of us feel this way at some time or other, but if it starts taking over our life or threatening our health and happiness, then it's called an eating disorder.

What do eating disorders make you do?

The two most common types are:

• Anorexia nervosa - starving the body to an unhealthily low weight.
• Bulimia nervosa - bingeing then vomiting after eating or taking laxatives (pills that make you poo more) to try to lose weight.

Eating disorders can grip people for years, making them unhappy and miserable. Sometimes they become so ill they end up in hospital. And occasionally, people die.

This is why you shouldn’t ignore any worries you have about yourself or your friends.

Why do people get eating disorders?

Stress or bad experiences can also make us more likely to suffer. And if someone in our family is funny about food, we're more likely to be too.

Often we begin by dieting to lose weight. Then we feel better about ourselves. We feel in control, and better looking, so we keep going. We may find it difficult to stop, even if we know we're harming ourselves.

I think I've got an eating disorder...

Talk to someone you trust and see your GP. Don’t waste any time. The sooner people start getting proper help, the better their chances of beating it.

More help and advice

• Beat (Beat Disorders Association - beating eating disorders) Young people’s helpline: 0845 634 7650. (4pm-6.30pm Mon-Fri.)
• youngminds.org.uk (downloadable info)
• bbc.co.uk/health - More from the BBC
• You can also call Childline on 0800 1111 (free) or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call), 24/7, to talk about your feelings.