Eating Problems and Disorders

Eating problems are not always about food, but they can be about feelings and difficult things. The control of foods might be used as a way of coping with feelings and other situations. This can involve eating too much or too little, worrying about one’s weight and body shape.

Eating Problem- any relationship with food that you find difficult

Eating Disorder- a medical diagnosis based on your eating patterns, and includes medical tests like weight, blood and body mass index.

If you have an eating problem, there are different ways that it can affect how you feel or behave. Anyone can experience eating problems, regardless of age, gender, weight or background.

Please click the video below to find out more about the signs and symptoms

If your relationship with food and eating is affecting your daily life, regardless of how much you weigh or what your body looks like, reach out and seek help.

Eating problems can affect people in lots of ways, such as making you feel depressed and anxious, tired a lot of the time, ashamed and guilty, or scared of other people finding out. Talking about your eating problems can feel scary, to access treatment, the first step is to talk to your GP or doctor. They can refer you to specialist services and get you the right support.

If you are worried about someone you know, there are some behaviours to look out for that might indicate they are struggling with their mental health / an eating problem or disorder:

• Lying about how much they have eaten, what they have eaten or their weight; eating a lot of food very fast, or eating
• very little food; going to the bathroom a lot after eating; exercising a lot; avoiding eating with others; cutting food into
• small pieces, eating very slowly or having very strict eating habits or routines; wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide
• their weight loss; changes in mood such as being withdrawn, anxious or depressed.

Support is available- please reach out:

You can click here to fill out our student welfare and support form, and a member of the team will reach out to you within 48 working hours.  

 

• BEAT have resources and information on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community. They have an adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 and a Studentline on 0808 801 0811. They also have a directory of support services.
• Mind have information on eating problems, as well as where to get support, and how to help a family or friend who you think might be struggling with an eating problem, have a look at their support resources and their guide on eating problems and disorders. This outlines ways to talk or help people who might be struggling as well.
• The NHS have a service search to find help and support if you have an eating disorder, and more information about eating disorders here.