Eating disorders can take various forms, but they are generally characterised by using food as a way to cope with underlying emotional struggles. Some common types of eating disorders include:

• Binge Eating: Consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often to the point of discomfort or sickness, accompanied by feelings of shame or guilt.
• Anorexia Nervosa: Restricting food intake and/or excessively exercising to maintain an abnormally low weight.
• Bulimia: Engaging in binge eating followed by behaviours like self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.

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• Seek support from your GP. Depending on your level of need, you may be referred to a local eating disorder team
• Identify triggers: Spend time understanding your mental health and why you are exhibiting these behaviours. Is there a root cause you can try to tackle?
• Speak to someone.
• Journalling / writing down your thoughts
• You may benefit from talking therapies
• You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling the Beat helpline on 0808 801 0677

The treatment depends on the severity of the eating disorder. Treatment may consist of but is not limited to, community mental health support from a specialist team, working with a dietitian, psychological intervention, inpatient admission.