When you hear the term 'Eating Disorder', the first thing that pops in to your head is probably a girl who refuses to eat. The first word that might pop into you head is 'Anorexia', but did you know that Eating Disorders can present in many different ways and don't necessarily involve restricting what a person eats. In fact, some people might find themselves with an Eating Disorder which leads them to binge eat all the time, or overeat to provide emotional reassurance.
We've all had days where we might have looked at ourselves in the mirror and thought that we could be a little bit skinnier, or a little bit more muscular, or that one thing or another could do with changing. It's normal to have these thoughts and feelings now and again. It is when these thoughts become overwhelming and invasive that it is time to help.
Anyone can be affected by eating disorders. The media often associate this idea with girls, but actually in Britain, 11% of people who have Eating Disorders are men or boys. Eating Disorders impact around 1.25 million people in the UK. Although many eating disorders develop during teenage years, it is possible for people to get them even earlier. Sadly, the number of children in primary school diagnosed with these disorders is rising, with cases of anorexia in children as young as 6.
You probably expect the signs of Eating Disorders to be simple: many people have a good awareness of Anorexia or Bulimia. However, just because your friend skips lunch every now and then might not be a sign that they have an eating disorder. In fact, you've got to know that there are other Eating Disorders which make people overeat and gain weight. It is important to know the signs and symptoms.
If you are concerned about someone you think may have an eating disorder, visit the 'How Can I Help?' page, or go to Beat Eating Disorders: a website that can give you more details of the different Eating Disorders that people may struggle with, the symptoms and how you can support and help them.
The graphic here shows some of the signs that you or a friend may be struggling with an Eating Disorder which makes them not want to eat. Remember, some disorders can make people want to binge eat or emotionally eat, and these are signs to look for too.