Eating disorders

What can cause eating disorders?

We don’t know exactly what causes eating disorders. However you may be more likely to get an eating disorder if:

• You have been criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight
• You or a family member has a history of eating disorders, depression or a drug addiction
• You are involved in a career which promotes being thin and weight loss
• You have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or you are a perfectionist
• You have been sexually abused or suffered severe trauma in childhood

It can often be very difficult to identify that a loved one or a friend has developed an eating disorder

Warning signs to look out for include:

• Dramatic weight loss
• Lying about how much and when they have eaten or how much they weigh
• Eating a lot of food very fast
• Going to the bathroom a lot after eating, often returning feeling flushed
• Feelings of anxiety about eating or digesting food
• Obsessively exercising and sticking to a rigid diet
• Cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly
• Avoiding eating with others or eating in secret
• Checking bodyweight and comparing to others
• Developing physical health problems

The first aid procedure for eating disorders

If you believe someone may have an eating problem, choose an appropriate place and time to speak to them where you will both feel comfortable and won’t be disturbed

• Avoid approaching the person before, during or after meal times as this could make them feel uncomfortable and they may not want to talk about their situation
• When the timing is right, tell the person why you are worried in an open and honest manner and ask how they are feeling
• Do not centre the conversation around food or bodyweight as this could make them feel worse
• Show empathy and listen non-judgementally
• Allow the person plenty of time to discuss how they are feeling
• You will need to explain to the person that you think their symptoms indicate a need to seek professional help
• Assist and signpost to professional support such as their GP, if it’s appropriate. Ask them if they have a trusted family member or friend who can assist and support them

Signposting for eating disorders

If you need urgent help with your mental health, use one of the helpline services below. If you feel as though you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm, please call 999 immediately.

Beat

Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Email: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care

Phone: 0300 011 1213

YoungMinds

Text YM to 85258 or visit https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Samaritans

Helpline: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org

Childline

Helpline: 0800 11 11