Eating disorders

Symptoms of an eating disorder include worrying about your weight, eating too little or making yourself sick after eating.

Treatment for an eating disorder depends on the type of condition you have. It usually involves talking therapy.

If you or people around you are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating disorder.

Symptoms of eating disorders include:

• spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape
• avoiding socialising when you think food will be involved
• eating very little food
• making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat
• exercising too much
• having very strict habits or routines around food
• changes in your mood, such as being withdrawn, anxious or depressed

You may also notice physical signs, including:

• feeling cold, tired or dizzy
• pains, tingling or numbness in your arms and legs (poor circulation)
• feeling your heart racing, fainting or feeling faint
• problems with your digestion, such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
• your weight being very high or very low for someone of your age and height
• not getting your period or other delayed signs of puberty

You can recover from an eating disorder, but it may take time and recovery will be different for everyone.

If you're referred to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists, they'll be responsible for your care.

They should talk to you about the support you might need, such as for other conditions you have, and include this in your treatment plan.

Your treatment will depend on the type of eating disorder you have, but usually includes a talking therapy.

You may also need regular health checks if your eating disorder is having an impact on your physical health.

Your treatment may also involve working through a guided self-help programme if you have bulimia or binge eating disorder.

Most people will be offered individual therapy, but those with binge eating disorder may be offered group therapy.

The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown.

You may be more likely to get an eating disorder if:

• you or a member of your family has a history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug misuse
• you've been criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight
• you're really worried about being slim, particularly if you also feel pressure from society or your job, for example, ballet dancers, models or athletes
• you have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist
• you've been sexually abused

Symptoms of an eating disorder include worrying about your weight, eating too little or making yourself sick after eating.

Treatment for an eating disorder depends on the type of condition you have. It usually involves talking therapy.