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An eating disorder is not a slimmer's disease. If you or a friend is avoiding food or binge eating, they could well be trying to cope with problems that have nothing to do with food. Eating disorders can affect women and men of all ages, from all backgrounds. The combined total for people diagnosed and undiagnosed with an eating disorder in the UK is an astounding 1.15million. The most commonly used proxy is 10% of all cases of eating disorders will be male (Eating Disorders Association, 2000). Anorexia and Bulimia nervosa often begin as a way of controlling something in your life but eventually it takes control of you. Many people with eating disorders find it hard to acknowledge that they are ill. Sometimes they may lie about what they eat and angrily reject any offer of help.

Anorexia Nervosa

In the UK over 4500 new cases of anorexia nervosa are diagnosed every year.

By knowing the following warning signs you may be able to identify a problem in someone you know or even yourself: Severe weight loss, loss of menstrual periods, difficulty sleeping, stomach pains, distorted ideas about body weight and size, feeling cold, poor circulation, emotional and irritable behaviour, vomiting or purging, excessive exercising, social isolation, perfectionism, growth of downy body hair. Denial of hunger and episodic 'binge eating'

Bulimia Nervosa

In the UK, over 6500 new cases of bulimia nervosa are diagnosed each year.

If you have bulimia nervosa you may maintain a regulated body weight but think constantly about calories and dieting. Bingeing when you are feeling down leads to feelings of guilt and self-disgust which results in extreme measures to get rid of the food. Some express their disgust by making themselves vomit after eating, harming themselves, or developing addictions to drugs, alcohol or exercise.

By knowing the following warning signs you may be able to identify a problem

in someone you know or even yourself.

Vomiting or purging after eating, disappearing to the toilet after meals, secretive and ritual behaviour, feeling helpless and lonely, erratic menstrual periods, sore throat and tooth decay caused by vomiting, dehydration and poor skin condition, lethargy and mood swings, social isolation, swollen salivary glands.

Binge Eating

This is similar to Bulimia but binge eaters don't or can't make themselves vomit after eating.

The distinction between the three illnesses is not always clear and sufferers of one have often suffered the others.

Recognised eating disorders such as those described here can often be disturbing and difficult to deal with both for the individual and for the people around them. Diagnosis of eating disorders like this is subject to quite extreme symptoms. However, some people may be suffering from conditions that make them control their eating habits despite their symptoms being less extreme. These people also need support.

People with eating disorders often reject help if they do not feel ready to face the problem. This can put strain on relationships but learning about eating disorders can allow supporters to help more effectively. The love and support of those close to them can give people with eating disorders hope when they are feeling low.

Many people with eating disorders are afraid of the consequences of giving up their illness, as they may be frightened of losing control, and facing up to problems.

It is never too late to get help, but the sooner help is found, the better chance of a full recovery.

Treatments for people with eating disorders range from 'talking' therapies, self-help groups and counselling.

Help is at hand

If you or a friend wants to talk about issues relating to eating disorders then the university provides various sources of support. You can come and visit the women's officer or another member of advice centre staff in the student union, who can give you contact detail of various support groups or agencies as well as providing confidential support.

The Nurses Unit also has experience in dealing with symptoms and issues relating to Eating Disorders. You can call them on ext 94737 or drop into the clinic, which can be found through the security reception lodge (Opposite the chaplaincy centre). It is open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, during term time or at weekends during vacation periods from 9am-5pm. The Nurses unit is there to provide a confidential, non-judgemental service.

If you need to talk you can phone Nightline on ext.94444 between 10pm & 8am every night during term time.

Alternatively, for more specialised support you can contact:

The counselling service on campus in Furness College or on ext.92690

The Eating Disorders Association on 0845 634 1414 www.edauk.com or email helpmail@edauk.com

Caring Whispers on 01524 400 976 www.caring-whispers.co.uk or e-mail care@caringwhispers.co.uk.