Eating Disorders
What is an eating disorder?
Boys, girls, men and women from all types of background and ethnic groups can suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders are a way of coping with feelings that are making you unhappy or depressed. It may be difficult to face up to and talk about, feelings like anger, sadness, guilt, loss or fear. An eating disorder is a sign that you need help in coping with life, and sorting personal problems.
How do eating disorders start?
Scientists think eating problems can start in a lot of ways. Some scientists think that you are born with them. Others believe your eating problems are learned from people around you, and from wanting to be like very thin fashion models. A
lso, people who don't feel in control of their lives turn to eating, as it's one thing they do have power over. Eating problems can also start because of other problems, such as unhappiness at home or school, someone you know dying, or a mixture of these and other things.
The Eating Disorder Association youth line is 0845 634 7650
