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Binge eating
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Compulsive exercise
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Drive for masculinity. There may beless of a focus on thinness and a greater tendency to experience muscle dysmorphia.
The week’s aim also includes encouragingthose who are affected byeating disorders to access support fromtheir loved ones andorganisation such as BEAT.
Research from BEAT has shown that, although eating disorders have the highest death rate of any mental health illness, the earlier that eating disorder treatment is sought, the better the sufferer’s chance of recovery.
Chris Evans MP said:
“Eating Disorder Awareness Week is essential to improving people’s understanding of eating disorders and the struggles that individuals go through.”
I know that eating disorders—bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, body dysmorphia and others— are secretive and private illnesses that people battle, and that it is difficult for those individuals to speak out because of their fear of being judged.”
I myself suffered with body dysmorphia as a teenager. I felt as though I never looked good enough and constantly lifted weights and followed diets to look like the men I would see on the covers of magazines. There is an immense pressure on young people to look a certain way and social media plays a huge part in that.
To the people silently struggling with an eating disorder I say, talk to someone you trust and seek the help you need. From my own experience, I found that people did not judge me but will try to help if they can”
If you are suffering with an eating disorder and struggling to cope, support is available through the link here: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/services/
There is also a dedicated helpline for Wales which can be found on 0808 801 0433.
