Eating disorders

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious mental health condition where a person tries to maintain a low weight. This is usually done by eating a very calorie restricted diet and over-exercising. A person with anorexia may think they are fat even if they are visibly underweight; sometimes this is attributed to another disorder called Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Body Dysmorphic Disorder may occur alongside any eating disorder, it is a psychological condition that leads the person to obsess over imaginary flaws. A person with anorexia may miss meals, avoid certain foods, take appetite suppressants, make themselves throw up after eating, or take laxatives. Some symptoms you may notice include weight loss, complaints of physical problems like dizziness, and absence of periods in women. Note that a person may still have anorexia without being visibly underweight; this is called atypical anorexia and should be taken just as seriously. Anorexia is one of the leading causes of death related to mental health, it is very important to seek treatment and support.

BEAT Eating Disorders

BEAT Eating Disorders – Anorexia Nervosa

Talk ED

Talk ED – Anorexia Nervosa

The Surrey Centre for Eating Disorders

The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image

BDDF – Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

Anorexia Nervosa NHS inform

Bulimia is an eating disorder that is characterised by cycles of binging (eating a lot of food very quickly) and purging (throwing up or taking laxatives). It is most common in teenagers between 13-17 years old and it can be very distressing. The binge and purge cycle often starts as a way to lose or maintain a low weight. There are a lot of health risks and complications that may result from your body being put through this aggressive cycle. These include: dental problems, physical weakness, tears in the lining of the throat, absent periods in women, fits and muscle spasms, and problems with the heart, kidney, bones and bowel. The binge-purge cycle puts significant stress on your body and has been known to result in sudden deaths. It is very important to get help if you are suffering with bulimia. If you suspect a loved one may be bulimic, it is important to be sensitive, well-informed and supportive. It is further important to note that a person with bulimia may not be underweight, and that does not make the condition any less serious.The resources below should offer guidance in understanding bulimia. 

Beat Eating Disorders

Beat Eating Disorders – Bulimia

Talk ED

Talk ED – Bulimia

The Surrey Centre for Eating Disorders

The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image

BDDF – Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

Bulimia Nervosa NHS inform

People with Type 1 Diabetes may be at a greater risk of developing an eating disorder. Managing Type 1 Diabetes means you must frequently monitor your weight and glucose levels, read food labels carefully, measure food intake, and eat to manage low blood sugar levels. This level of involvement with food may result in an eating disorder that is hard to treat because a person with Type 1 diabetes will never be able to eat in the unrestricted manner that is used in the recovery process of other eating disorders. There is also a negative stigma associated with diabetes about being fat or overweight. This may put pressure on a person with Type 1 diabetes to resist the stereotype. If a person with Type 1 Diabetes does acquire an eating disorder, it can have unique symptoms like restricting their insulin to control their calorie intake and weight. This can be very dangerous for the sufferer as it can lead to hypoglycaemia. Diabulimia or T1DE is currently not recognised as a formal medical diagnosis. Despite this, it is important for those with the condition to have a term that describes their unique set of circumstances. As with all eating disorders diabulimia needs to be taken very seriously, but especially due to the complications it can cause with a person’s diabetes management.

BEAT Eating Disorders

BEAT Eating Disorders – Type 1 Diabetes and Disordered Eating

Talk ED

Talk ED – Diabulimia and Orthorexia

The Surrey Centre for Eating Disorders

The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image

BDDF – Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

Diabetes UK – Diabulimia