Picture of Aglaia, Mental Health Officer 22-23

Eating Disorder Awareness Week (27 February – 5 March)

Mental Health Officer
Friday 3 March 2023 11:19

*Content Warning: Eating Disorders*

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, hosted annually by the UK Eating Disorder Charity BEAT (https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/).

Let’s talk about eating disorders and bust some myths about these conditions.

 

Facts about Eating Disorders:

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses involving disordered eating behaviour and concerns towards body weight and appearance to cope with difficult emotions and situations.

  • They can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or cultural background
  • The most common types are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
  • Treatments include psychological therapies and pharmacological treatments…and recovery is possible!

 

Did you know?

  • Around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder
  • Around 1 in 4 people suffering from eating disorders are men

 

Myths about Eating Disorders:

  • Eating disorders are a way to seek attention
  • Eating disorders are due to vanity related to wanting to appear “a certain way”
  • Eating disorders are just a product of our modern society
  • Having an eating disorder only means starving yourself
  • Eating disorders only affect young girls
  • Eating disorders do not affect men
  • You must look “skinny” or “ill” to have an eating disorder
  • Eating disorders are an “unhealthy” choice or “diet”

 

Having struggled with bulimia nervosa for most of my life, I know how hard it is, but there are ways to get better… Here are some things that help me to get through tough times:

1. Seek help and talk to trusted friends and family

2. Adopt a healthy diet and physical activity routine

3. Be kind to my mind and body

4. Limit social media use if you see comparing yourself to others

5. Remember that relapse does not mean failure

 

If you are struggling with eating problems, BEAT offers incredible sources of information and support: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

If you want to learn more about eating disorders research at Imperial College London visit https://www.imperial.ac.uk/brain-sciences/research/psychiatry/

Please take care, and be kind to yourself! ❤️