Mental health: 'An untreated eating disorder can have a major effect'

In the UK, approximately 1.25 million people are affected by eating disorders, which can have serious physical and mental health consequences if left untreated.

That is a significant amount of people, with a good chance you may know someone affected.

The majority of people with eating disorders are younger people in their teens and early 20s.

Eating disorders involve an unhealthy relationship with food, body image, and weight. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Anorexia nervosa is characterised by a fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and extreme calorie restriction, which can lead to other serious health complications.

A person with anorexia, may also take to excessive exercising and other behaviour to burn off calories, such as sleeping in a cold room with the window open to promote shivering.

Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating followed by purging behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and other medical problems.

Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of excessive eating, without the use of purging behaviours, which can lead to obesity and related health issues.

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of eating disorders, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

One is poor mental health, particularly anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

People with these conditions may use food and weight control as a coping mechanism, which can lead to disordered eating behaviours over time.

Eating disorders can also contribute to poor mental health, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Eating disorders can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can make pre-existing mental health conditions worse, or trigger the onset of new ones.

For example, people with anorexia nervosa may experience depression and anxiety as a result of their extreme calorie restriction and fear of weight gain.

Similarly, people with bulimia nervosa may feel ashamed and guilty after binge eating and purging, which can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Unfortunately, many people with eating disorders do not receive the help they need due to the stigma and shame associated with these conditions.

Many people with eating disorders become secretive about their eating habits, for example they may hide and squirrel away foods that they have no intention of eating.

They may also begin to hide their body size and shape with excessive clothing in hot weather.

Eating disorders are often viewed as a lifestyle choice or a sign of weakness, they are not.

Both Cheshire West & East NHS services offer help and advice for anyone who feels they may be affected by an eating disorder; they are easily searchable online.

You can also find out more from the national charity Beat Eating Disorders https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/