Eating Concerns
Eating Disorders
There are a number of different types of eating disorders, the most common ones are
where a person tries to keep their weight as low as possible by strictly controlling and limiting what they eat.
anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It’s a serious, potentially life-threatening, mental health condition.
people who have anorexia are very anxious about their weight and body shape. They try to keep their weight as low as possible by strictly controlling what they eat. Many people with anorexia will also exercise excessively.
they may also use other methods to try to control their weight, like using laxatives, vomiting after eating, and taking stimulant drugs
where a person overeats and then tries to avoid gaining weight by ‘purging’ – for example, by vomiting or taking laxatives
bulimia is an eating disorder and mental health condition. People with bulimia are very anxious about their weight and focused on having the ‘right’ body shape. They also spend a lot of time thinking about food.
where a person feels they have to overeat through regular binges
Ian's blog about his experiences of living with an eating disorder
Abigail's story of living with an eating disorder
Additional Support Resources
Please explore the NHS Inform pages for information on eating disorders
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling the Beat helpline on 0808 801 0677.
You can also visit their website using the link below
Their website includes helplines and chat rooms where you can talk to people who have an eating disorder
Here you will find books to support carers and self-help guides to support people affected by an eating disorder.
Worried about a friend or family member?
Please find information , support and training from BEAT to help you support your loved one if they have an eating disorder
If a friend or relative has an eating disorder, such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, you will probably want to do everything you can to help them recover. Please find some information in the NHS's Live Well site on what you can do.