Eating Disorders Awareness Week
1st - 7th March 2021
What is an eating problem?
An eating problem is any relationship with food that people may
find difficult. Many people think that someone with an eating
problem will be over or underweight. People might also think
that certain weights are linked to certain eating problems.
Neither of these things are true.
What’s the difference between an
eating problem and an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a medical diagnosis. This diagnosis is based
on your eating patterns and includes medical tests on your weight,
blood and body mass index. An eating problem is any relationship
with food that you find difficult. This can be just as hard to live with
as a diagnosed eating disorder. In both cases they can be used and
seen as a coping mechanism for someone to feel in control when
they feel they have a lack of it in other parts of their lives.
Types of eating disorders
Eating disorders include a range of conditions that can affect someone physically, psychologically, and socially.
The most common eating disorders are:
Anorexia Nervosa Orthorexia Nervosa
When a person tries to keep An eating disorder that involves
their weight as low as possible. an obsession with healthy eating.
Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder
When a person has periods of binge eating Overeating large amounts of food
and then is deliberately sick or uses laxatives. in a short space of time.
Other eating disorders conditions include Rumination disorder, Pica and ARFID (Avoidant/restrictive food
disorder) - these tend to be less common but can be as serious as the disorders listed above.
What causes eating problems or disorders?
There is no single cause of eating problems. Most health professionals think they're caused by a combination
of factors may that be bullying, environmental changes, relationship issues or media. Some factors may be
biological, while others come from current surroundings or issues from past. It might be hard to understand why
eating has become an issue for the person or people around them. The reasons can be complex and confusing.
Indications that may suggest an eating problem or disorder include:
Regularly skipping meals Large amounts of food going missing
Counting calories obsessively Avoiding events where food is involved
Eating only low-calorie food Drinking excessive amounts of water
Wearing very loose clothes Issues with substance misuse or alcohol
An obsession with exercise Excessive smoking to combat hunger
Dramatic weight loss or gain Out of character risk taking behaviours
Recovery – Self Care
Recovery will look and feel differently for everyone. Some things you can control are below. Please see
additional information on websites at the end of this document for extra support and information.
Talk to people you trust Change unhealthy routines
Eating problems can feel very difficult to Routines around eating and food can be
talk about for many reasons. People close hard to break. But you might find that
to you may find eating problems hard to making small changes can help. Try to think
understand but will often want to help of some positive goals that are not related
however they can. to food or calories.
Seek peer support Be careful online
Eating problems can make you feel isolated We are often surrounded by pictures and
and misunderstood. It can help to talk to images – especially on social media, and
people who are going through something you may find that you spend a lot of time
similar. You can find peer support online or comparing your body to other people’s.
face-to-face. Adjust who you follow if you need to.
Learn how to manage relapses Difficult times of year
It’s very common to go back to old thoughts Celebrations that revolve around food and
and behaviours, especially around times eating, like Christmasand birthdays, might
when you feel stressed. Remember that it is trigger difficult thoughts and behaviours.
possible to feel better, even if it takes a long Talk to someone you trust about how you
time. feel and what might make things easier.
Recovery – Supporting Others
If you’re worried about someone then it’s important to encourage them to seek treatment, but you can also
play a vital role in helping them get better by being a listening ear.
Let them know you are there Try not to get frustrated Don’t make assumptions
Make sure the person knows you’re They might already feel guilty about Try not to interpret what their eating
here to listen and can help them find how their behaviour is affecting you. problem means without listening, as
support. Let them know they can talk Try to be as understanding and patient this may make them feel less able to
to you when they’re ready. as you can. share their emotions and seek support.
Where can I get help?
Talk to your doctor who will be able to refer you to a specialist in eating disorders. Further information is also
available through the links below. If you are struggling or are concerned you may have a problem and would
like to speak to a counsellor, you can also contact your Employee Assistance Programme if your organisation
provides this.
Beating Eating Disorders Mind NHS - Eating Disorders
[Link] [Link] [Link]