Eating Disorders

Food and eating play a very important role in our lives and we all individually vary in the foods we like, how much we eat and when we eat. Its not unusual for young people to experiment with food for example becoming a vegetarian or trying something you've never tasted before. However, although these varying differences occur, some eating patterns can be damaging, and when food becomes a solution to cope with painful situations or stress this can cause problems.

The most commonly talked about eating disorders are those of anorexia and bulimia, which are increasingly becoming more of an issue for students. It is estimated that 15% of women aged 15-30 experience some form of binge eating and a smaller but growing amount of men also are affected.

Anorexia is a disorder that is thought to occur through low self esteem and an inability to cope safely with problems. The person will began to feel fat when really they are underweight. Excessive exercise and lowering intake of food are common characteristics.

Bulimia is the more common of the two and is characterised with an obsession with shape and weight. It also linked with self esteem and emotional problems. Although this is the common one, it is more hidden due to the fact that people with bulimia usually remain average or just over average body weight. Bulimics become involved in a cycle of eating a very large amount of food, making themselves sick, cutting down or starving for a few days or exercising to make up for it if they have to have something to eat.

Both these conditions are serious, but with the right help and support, the underlying issues can be addressed and a more balanced relationship with the body can be achieved. Eating disorders are an illness and therefore it is very difficult to get help on your own. If you do not feel comfortable talking to some one face to face, perhaps you could write the things you want to know down and ask for advice through email or post. Recovering from an eating disorder can be a hard process but others have done it so if you need any more information or someone to talk to use the contact list below:

Eating Disorders Association

0845 634 1414
http://www.edauk.com

Claire Frost, Vice President Education and Welfare

Liverpool Hope Students' Union - Derwent House
For a friendly face & signposting to appropriate services
0151 291 3709
vpres@hope.ac.uk 

University Counselling Service

Confidential, individual counselling for problems affecting students' work and wellbeing. Offers individual counselling, group counselling, drop-in service, consultation and self-help leaflets.
0151 291 3413
http://www.hope.ac.uk/students/compass/counselling.htm