What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people emotionally, physically and socially. They centre on a person's relationship with food, eating and themselves.
Anyone can develop an eating disorder, and there may be a range of factors involved, including genetic, social, environmental, psychological and biological.
While eating disorders are serious and can be fatal, they are treatable, and people can make a full recovery. The journey to recovery may feel difficult, but it is possible with the right support.
Counsellor Allie Outram explains more about the characteristics of eating disorders and how psychological intervention and support can be beneficial in this video.
Types of eating disorders
There are many different types of eating disorders, but the most common include:
- Anorexia nervosa – this can involve restricting how much someone eats, exercising excessively or other behaviours intended to control their weight. Someone may also have an intense fear of gaining weight or difficulties around how they see their weight or body shape.
- ARFID – avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involves avoiding certain foods, limiting how much someone eats or both. This may be related to sensory sensitivities, a lack of interest in food or difficult past experiences such as choking. Unlike some other eating disorders, ARFID isn't driven by concerns about weight or body shape.
- Binge-eating disorder – this involves regularly eating large amounts of food over a short period of time and feeling unable to control how much you're eating.
- Bulimia – this involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours intended to compensate for eating, which may include vomiting, using laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise.
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) – this is if a person's symptoms do not exactly fit the expected symptoms for any specific eating disorders. According to the NHS, OSFED is the most common eating disorder.
Explore different eating disorders
Spotting the signs of an eating disorder
Eating disorders can affect people in different ways, and the signs aren't always obvious. Changes in eating behaviours, thoughts, feelings and social behaviour can all be signs that someone may need support.
Anyone can be affected, and situations will differ for each individual.
However, if you're worried about your own health, or a loved one, there are several signs you may notice, including:
- change in behaviour or personality;
- withdrawing from social situations or hobbies they previously enjoyed;
- avoiding eating situations, feeling uncomfortable eating in public or making excuses;
- commenting on their weight;
- weighing themselves repeatedly;
- only eating certain foods;
- skipping meals.
If you suspect a friend or family member has an eating disorder, it can be difficult to know what to do; a good starting point is to offer support.
Be gentle in your approach and let them know you’re there to listen if they want to talk.
Getting help for eating disorders
People with eating disorders may feel reluctant to talk to someone about what they're going through. If they suspect a problem, they may feel ashamed or embarrassed, or believe they have it under control, which can make seeking help difficult. Fear plays a big part in the way eating disorders work, and even if the person wants help, they may be afraid of taking the next step.
Recovery typically involves changing eating behaviours, which can be a scary prospect for someone with an eating disorder. While this can feel daunting, recovery can involve gradually changing eating behaviours and developing a healthier relationship with food and yourself.
Whether the problem is more recent or you’ve been dealing with it for a while, you deserve support because recovery is possible. If you are worried about anything, find someone to talk to, whether it is a friend, family member or even a professional. Remember you’re not alone.
Recovery from an eating disorder is not a linear journey. The key is perseverance. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. The cumulative effect of these steps leads to significant and lasting change.
- Laura Gwilt, cognitive behavioural therapist (BSc Hons, PGDip, Accredited)
Counselling for eating disorders
The first port of call when seeking help is generally through your GP. This is because they can help you get a diagnosis and refer you to the appropriate treatment. Speaking up can feel scary, and it takes strength to start the journey. If you’re worried about going to the GP alone, ask a friend or family member to go with you if you can.
Treatment for an eating disorder will depend on your individual needs and the type of eating disorder. It will often include psychological therapy alongside support for your physical health and nutrition.
Depending on your needs, psychological treatment may include approaches such as:
Treatment will usually involve monitoring physical health, and you may also be referred to a dietitian or other appropriately qualified nutrition professional for support. By forming a care support team, these professionals can help you recover every step of the way.
