Warning: Some of the information on this page might be difficult to read or could bring up strong or upsetting feelings. Please only continue reading if you feel ready and safe to do so. 

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect how you feel about food, your body, and eating in general. They can make you feel like you need to control what or how much you eat in a way that isn’t healthy. Eating disorders aren’t just about food – they’re connected to your emotions and how you feel about yourself. Getting help early is very important since these conditions can seriously affect your physical and mental health. 

Eating disorders are often associated with people who are very thin, but you can develop an eating disorder regardless of your body type. Your size does not make your mental and physical health less important, and you should reach out if you feel you may have symptoms of an eating disorder.

  • Anorexia: When someone tries to eat very little or not eat at all because they want to keep their weight as low as possible. People with anorexia often see themselves as bigger than they are, even if they’re underweight. 

  • Bulimia: When someone eats a lot of food in one go (binge eating) and then tries to get rid of it by making themselves sick, using laxatives, or exercising too much. This is often done in secret and can be very harmful to the body. 

  • Binge Eating Disorder: When someone eats a large amount of food in a short time and feels out of control when doing it. Unlike bulimia, people with binge eating disorder don’t try to get rid of the food afterward. 

  • Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): When someone has symptoms of an eating disorder but doesn’t fit into the categories of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. This doesn’t make it any less serious.

Eating disorders can take over your thoughts and make you feel trapped. They affect not only your physical health but also how you feel about yourself and your relationships. It’s common for people with eating disorders to hide their behaviour because of shame or fear of being judged, but it’s important to remember that eating disorders are treatable, and you don’t have to go through it alone. 

If you think you might have an eating disorder or you’re worried about someone else, there are people who can help.

  • Talk to a trusted adult: This could be a parent, teacher, school nurse, or faith leader who can help you get the support you need.

  • Beat is a charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders. They offer helplines and online support. Home – Beat

  • YoungMinds offers advice and support for young people dealing with eating disorders. Eating disorders – YoungMinds.