Eating disorders include bulimia, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) and anorexia.

The signs and symptoms vary depending on the disorder being experienced and the signs of an eating disorder are not always obvious to friends and loved ones. Eating disorders can have serious effects on an individual’s physical health, therefore it is important to seek support via your GP as soon as possible.

Support available

MHM does not provide support specifically for eating disorders. If you are struggling with an eating disorder seek support from your GP as soon as you can, they can review your overall health and they may refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists. The eating disorder team may identify that your eating difficulties are related to another mental health conditions for example depression or PTSD and they may refer you to your local psychological service once your physical health is stable.

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity and provides a wide range of information resources and a national support helpline. The website also provides information about how to support someone who has an eating disorder.