Eating disorders or disordered eating are complex mental health conditions that significantly impact an individual’s relationship with food, body image and overall wellbeing. In the UK, several eating disorders affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
An eating problem is any relationship with food that you find difficult.
An eating disorder is a medical diagnosis. This diagnosis is based on your eating patterns and includes medical tests on your weight, blood and body mass index (BMI).
But eating problems and disorders are not just about food. They can be about painful feelings that you may find hard to express, face or resolve. Focusing on food can be a way of hiding these feelings and problems, including from yourself.
Many people think that someone with an eating problem will be overweight or underweight. People might also think that certain weights are linked to certain eating problems. Neither of these things are true.
Anyone can experience eating problems – whatever their age, gender, weight or background.
Anorexia Nervosa:
Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading individuals to restrict their food intake severely. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image and may engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or other behaviours to maintain an unnaturally low weight.
Bulimia Nervosa:
Bulimia nervosa involves a cycle of binge-eating, followed by a compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain. Individuals with bulimia may engage in purging, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED):
Binge eating disorder is characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. Unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviours. BED is associated with feelings of guilt and distress after binge-eating episodes, contributing to a cycle of emotional distress and overeating.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID):
ARFID is characterised by limited food preferences, avoiding certain textures or smells, and an unwillingness to try new foods. Unlike anorexia, the avoidance is not motivated by a desire for weight loss but is rooted in sensory issues, fears of choking, or other aversions. ARFID can lead to nutritional deficiencies and impaired growth, particularly in children.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED):
OSFED encompasses a range of eating behaviours that do not fit the criteria for specific disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or BED. This category acknowledges the diversity of eating disorder presentations and the fact that individuals may exhibit symptoms that do not neatly fit into one of the established diagnoses. OSFED is a broad category that captures various atypical eating patterns and their associated challenges.
Orthorexia:
Orthorexia involves an obsession with eating foods perceived as healthy and pure. Individuals with orthorexia may exhibit an extreme focus on the quality of their diet, often eliminating entire food groups or categorising certain foods as “good” or “bad.” While an emphasis on healthy eating is generally positive, orthorexia becomes problematic when it interferes with daily life and causes distress.
If you need information or advice, call us on 01482 240133 or email [email protected].
You can also speak with the following organisations who can help:
Beat – 0808 801 0677 / [email protected] https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
Seed – 01482 421525 / [email protected]
Evolve – 01482 344083 / Text EVOLVE to 61825
https://www.chcpcic.org.uk/chcp-services/evolve
Remember that recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right treatment and support.
Information Credit: Mind
