Information » Health » Nutrition and Physical Activity » Eating Disorders
An eating disorder can be explained as having an eating pattern that can damage your health.
Many young people try different diets or decide to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet and as long as they are eating all the essential nutrients in the right quantities there should be no problems with their health. However if your eating pattern is controlling your life then you would be well advised to seek help and advice.
There are probably a number of causes for eating disorders and these can include traumatic events, problems at school, college or work, family and other personal relationships, and lack of confidence.
You can find a lot more information about eating disorders on www.b–eat.co.uk/Home This web site gives a lot of detail about specific eating disorders and more general advice and guidance on the causes and where to get help.
The three eating disorders that you may become aware of are:
- Anorexia Nervosa – this eating disorder is about emotions and feelings. People with this disorder try to control their lives by focusing on food. They will eat very small amounts and may also exercise to burn off the calories. Because of the chemical changes this has on their body the brain will be sending out messages that will make it difficult to make sensible decisions about food.
- Bulimia Nervosa – like anorexia this disorder is linked to emotions and feelings. People with this disorder will eat a large quantity of food which can be linked to an emotional gap in their lives but they will then want to get rid of the food by either taking laxatives or vomiting or both.
- Binge Eating Disorder – this disorder is similar to bulimia but after eating large quantities of food people with this disorder do not try to get rid of the food. Many people who have this disorder can become obese. There is another disorder that is similar called compulsive eating when people eat at times when they are not hungry. Most people who have this are overweight and can appear happy and jolly but could be using their weight to avoid confronting their problems.
There are a number of websites and organisations that can give you a lot of information, support, advice and guidance if you have any issues with eating and diet or are worried about a friend or family member who you think has problems with food and eating. It is very important to ask for help as it will be extremely difficult to cope with the problems caused by eating disorders by yourself and you need to understand the long term consequences of drastic changes to your diet and eating patterns.
EDA Youthline helpline numbers:
Under 18 – 0845 634 7650
Weekdays 4.00 to 6.30 pm
Saturday 1.00 to 4.30 pm
Over 18 – 0845 634 1414
Weekdays 8.30 am to 8.30pm
Saturday 1.30 to 8.00pm
