Eating disorders can have a serious effects on a person’s health. Chief causes include social pressures about ‘being thin’ and psychological issues such as depression or low self-esteem. Professional advice and guidance is therefore highly recommended. Scroll down for further information about the types of eating disorder support available.
Eating Disorder Charities and Organisations
Anorexia and Bulimia Care
This Christian organisation was established in 1989 and is designed to help those suffering from eating disorders. They provide email and telephone support and their site includesh advice for sufferers and their families.
The National Centre For Eating Disorders
An extensive online resource about eating disorder treatment. The site has information about counselling, self-help and provides an e-counselling service.
Counselling for Eating Disorders
Counselling for eating disorders is often approached using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Its focus on behavioural change has proved to be effective at addressing the problem. Also, Group Therapy is often helpful for people who feel comfortable enough to participate.
Eating Disorder Helplines
Beat Eating Disorders Helpline – 0845 634 1414
A registered charity that provides information about eating disorder therapy through their website and phone service. They also work to increase awareness about eating disorders and provide sufferers with as much information as possible to help them treat their problem.
Caraline – 01582 457 474
Set up in 1984, they supply information about eating disorder treatment and give accurate descriptions of the main disorders. They offer further help through their email and helpline service.
Eating Disorders Explained
Eating disorders are characterised by disturbances in food-intake which can include over and under-eating. Symptoms are 10 times more likely to affect women although reports of male cases are on the increase.
Some of the most common eating disorders are Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa. Both are triggered by an intense desire to lose weight.
Sufferers of Anorexia often diet to such an extent that their weight becomes dangerously low. This is sometimes accompanied by obsessive exercise which is intended to allay the sufferer’s irrational fears about weight.
One of the main symptoms of Bulimia is binge-eating, where large amounts of food are consumed in a short space of time. This is often followed by feelings of guilt which may cause sufferers to try and rid themselves of what they’ve eaten by vomiting, or by using laxatives.
There is also a variant of Bulimia called Bulimia Eating Disorder. This involves binge eating without vomiting and is less serious with sufferers more likely to put weight on.