Body Image and Eating Disorders

Signs of anorexia include:

Eating less and less.
Losing a lot of weight very quickly.
Growing more body hair (usually girls)

Signs of bulimia include:

Eating too much in one go.
Going to the toilet after eating to be sick.
Sore throat and mouth infections.

If you have an eating disorder:

It's hard to cope with an eating disorder alone - talk to someone you trust.
If you are worried ask your parent or carer to make an appointment for you with your Doctor.
Remember that the sooner you get some help, the easier it will be for you to beat your problem.
If a friend has an eating disorder:
Tell them that you’re worried and that you’re there for them.
Get them to see their Doctor.
Set a good example and show your friend how important it is to have a healthy diet.

“It’s important to like people for who they are, rather than what they look like.”

Turn on the TV or flick through a magazine and chances are you'll see pictures of stick thin celebrities staring back. This might affect your body image and could make you feel bad about yourself or that you should try to change the way you are.

Many young people who are perfectly normal and healthy feel that they don't look ‘right’ because they are comparing themselves to role models such as pop stars, models or other celebrities who are often skinny.

This can lead to an unhealthy body image. If you do feel that you are overweight, talk to an adult you can trust and try to find out more about healthy eating and exercise. It's a good idea to eat well and stay a healthy weight but some young people, can take dieting too far and develop an eating disorder.

The two main types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, which is when you starve yourself, and Bulimia Nervosa, which is when you make yourself sick after you eat or take laxatives. They are both very bad for you. Make sure you talk to an adult or friend you trust to get the help you need.

For someone to talk to about Eating Disorders CLICK HERE

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