This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week which is aimed at increasing awareness of eating disorders and providing support to those currently suffering with, or in recovery from, eating disorders.

Statistics surrounding Eating Disorders

Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, but the prevalence is higher in young women. Eating disorders are characterised by an obsession with food or body shape. They are thought to affect 1 in 50 people in the UK and spotting signs and symptoms early can be key to determining successful treatment.

According to Beat (beateatingdisorders.co.uk) about 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, they can affect all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Eating disorders include binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, anorexia and other specified eating disorder. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

Often, eating disorders are not spoken about and many people suffer alone. It is important to open the dialogue and increase awareness.

According to NEDA, the risk factors for eating disorders fall into three categories:

• Biological, for instance, someone with an immediate family member (such as a parent or sibling) who has an eating disorder is at risk of developing one themselves.
• Psychological, for example, people who have or had an anxiety disorder are more prone to developing an eating disorder.
• Social, for instance, people from racial or ethnic minority groups who experience “acculturation,” or pressure to assimilate Western ideals of beauty and ways of life, have an increased risk for eating disorders.

Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/national-eating-disorders-awareness-week/

Spotting Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are secretive in nature and can be difficult to spot. According to https://www.verywellmind.com/does-my-friend-or-loved-one-have-an-eating-disorder-4110197 the following symptoms may indicate that someone has an eating disorder (this list is not exhaustive):

• Avoiding eating or making excuses for not eating.
• Dieting, fluctuations in weight, excessive exercise, poor body image – each of these things on their own may not indicate an eating disorder.
• Food disappearing – this may indicate binge eating disorder or bulimia.
• Preoccupation with dieting or frequent dieting behaviour.
• Weight fluctuations, significant weight loss or being severely underweight.
• Poor body image.
• Engaging in purging, or the use of laxatives or diuretics.
• Using the bathroom or showering immediately after meals.

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity, which was founded in 1989. If you are concerned for a friend, colleague or loved one, or you yourself are struggling with symptoms of an eating disorder their website has a wealth of information and support which could help. Visit: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/about-beat/