Personal Image & Eating Disorders

You can watch TV, look in magazines or on the Internet, but there's always those celebrities who look perfect and make you think "Why can't I look like that?"

It's a good idea to try and eat well and exercise to stay healthy, but some of us struggle. An eating disorder is a problem with how you think about food. They don't just affect young women, but 1.15 million people in the UK have an eating disorder, and 15% of these are men.

There are two main types of eating disorders. These are:

Anorexia Nervosa - This is when you eat as little as possible (starve yourself)
Bulimia Nervosa - This is when you make yourself sick after you, or you take laxatives (pills or medicine that make you to the toilet)

Both of these are very bad for your health, but can be caused by stress or bad experiences like being abused, and not just your body image.

Watch out for these signs for Anorexia and Bulimia

Anorexia

Losing lots of weight quickly
Growing more body hair (usually girls)
Eating less and less

Bulimia

Eating a lot in one go
Sore throat and mouth infections from being sick
Going to the toilet after eating to be sick

Are you worried about a friend or sibling?

Tell them that you are worried about them, and you will support them by being there
Talk to them and see if they can see their doctor about it
Show your friend how important it is to have a healthy diet
It may take a while before your friend or sibling accepts that they have a problem, but don't give up!

Have you got an eating disorder?

Talk to someone you trust. It can be hard to cope with an eating disorder alone.
Talk to your doctor, they are able to refer you to a counsellor. These are specially trainged people who you can talk to about how you feel. It's usually confidential and one-to-one
Remember, the sooner you get some help, the easier it will be for you to beat your problem

Who To Contact...

- Your Doctor
- www.b-eat.co.uk

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