Information

About eating disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions, where a person's eating behaviours become disordered and can impact their lives in different ways. This is often a way to cope with difficult feelings and situations. 

People with an eating disorder may:

• Eat large amounts of food (bingeing).
• Eat too little food (this is called restricting).
• Do things to compensate for perceived over-eating, such as extreme exercise, or being sick after eating (purging).

It's important to remember that eating disorders are not all about food, body weight or shape. Some people may develop eating disorders as a form of control in difficult personal situations, or due to other reasons such as an aversion to food, fear of consequences, or lack of interest in food or eating. 

Anyone can develop an eating disorder. Eating disorders are not a choice, and there can be many complex factors in how they develop. They can have significant impact on a person's mental, physical, and social wellbeing, and in some cases can even become life-threatening. However, with support, people can fully recover from eating disorders. 

A person with an eating disorder may not recognise they are unwell, so it is important to identify when someone may be experiencing an eating disorder, and support them to get help as early as possible. 

Who is at risk of an eating disorder? 

Eating disorders can affect people of any age, sex/gender, racial and ethnic background, and bodyweight. People with eating disorders can be any weight and appear healthy, although they may be extremely unwell.  

Risk factors in eating disorders can include: 

• Genetic factors (such as insulin resistance/sensitivity, high/low lipids, or high/low BMI);  

• Environmental factors (such as trauma or adversity, and stress) or; 

• Developmental (such as puberty or menopause).  

Adolescents, athletes, people with a family history, LGBTQ+ groups, neurodiverse people and people with co-occuring mental health conditions sometimes have higher risk factors.

What causes eating disorders? 

The exact causes of eating disorders are not fully known or understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, behavioural, psychological, and social factors can be involved. Each person’s condition will be different and unique. 

How are eating disorders treated? 

Eating disorders can be successfully treated, and early detection and intervention are important for recovery. Treatment for eating disorder can include psychological therapy, nutritional support and sometimes medication.