DOCTORS have encouraged people to get help for eating disorders.

The message comes as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, (February 26 to March 4.

Dr Rakesh Sharma clinical lead at East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “Eating disorders can be a way of coping with feelings or situations that are making a person unhappy, angry, depressed, stressed, or anxious.

“They are not the fault of the person suffering, and no one chooses to have an eating disorder.

“Sometimes people worry about talking to someone because they feel their eating disorder isn’t serious enough, they don’t want to worry people or waste their time, or because they feel guilty, embarrassed or ashamed.

“If you are worried about yourself or someone you know speak to your GP.

“They will not judge and can offer helpful and confidential advice and support.”

For more information, help and advice on eating disorders, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eating-disorders/ or https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/