This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings around eating disorders, and there is also a lot of help available out there, so I thought this would be the perfect week to talk about them.

While food intake and weight may appear central, the roots of eating disorders lie deep in the emotional landscape, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.

The three main eating disorders – anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder – manifest differently, but all share a core feature; an unhealthy relationship with food and body image.

Anorexia is characterised by severe calorie restriction and fear of weight gain.

Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviours like vomiting or laxatives.

Binge eating disorder involves frequent episodes of uncontrolled overeating, often accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt, but without the purging behaviour.

Each person is individual, and there be many reasons a person develops an eating disorder. I am of course limited on space, but common reasons might include:

• Low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction: Negative self-perception, fuelled by pressures and unrealistic beauty standards, can drive the desire for control through food and weight manipulation.

• Stress and anxiety: Eating disorders can be coping mechanisms for overwhelming emotions, offering a temporary sense of control or distraction.

• Trauma and abuse: Past experiences of trauma, abuse, or neglect can leave emotional wounds that manifest in eating disorders as a way to numb or cope.

• Perfectionism and control: A rigid need for control over various aspects of life, including food and body, can fuel eating disorder behaviours. This is a common trait with those affected by anorexia.

Cases of anorexia were considerably higher during the Covid lockdown periods. It is thought that restricting food intake was one of the few things that younger people could retain control over, during a time when we lost control over many aspects of our lives.

Many people only associate eating disorders with younger people, especially females.

However, eating disorders can affect anyone. While there is a higher prevalence among young women, individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds are susceptible. Men, boys, and older adults can be affected too.

It’s important to remember that eating disorders are not a choice, they are complex issues which need professional help.

Anorexia nervosa is the mental health condition with the highest mortality rate, that in itself should bring home just how serious eating disorders can be.

The Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust have an eating disorder service.

You can find out more here https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder-z/eating-disorder-service

You can find out more about Eating Disorders Awareness Week from the BEAT website https://edaw.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@martinfurber.com

If you are in any type of mental health crisis, please go to your GP or A&E, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258