Eating disorders awareness month
By Natalia Mavromoustaki
Our modern media-filled world, with its wholehearted embrace of celebrity culture and advertising, has led us to be increasingly aware of our body shapes and size, and how they compare to the many images of beautiful, seemingly perfect men and women filling our screens, magazines and newspapers. Though we may not recognise it, these images have a direct impact on how we see ourselves and our own bodies, and create a pressure that is difficult to escape.
It is, without doubt, important for us to look after ourselves, eating healthy and exercising in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, in many instances, people's eating patterns are impacted by difficult
circumstances in their life, affecting their personality and mood. The outcome of such chronic behaviour can lead to obesity, anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, all very different but equally serious eating disorders. Though we do not know the exact cause of eating disorders, medical professionals are certain there is a combination of biological, behavioural, and social factors involved.
Recent research from the NHS information centre showed that up to 6.4% of adults displayed signs of an eating disorder and, on average, these conditions develop at the ages of 16 and 17.
Although many eating disorders develop during adolescence, it is not unusual for people to develop eating disorders earlier or later in life. In fact, cases of anorexia have been found in children as young as 6, and some research shows cases developing in women in their 70s.
Eating disorders can be treated if suffers seek professional help, with research suggesting that around 46% of anorexia patients recover fully, 33% improve and 20% remain chronically ill. Similar research into bulimia suggests that 45% make a full recovery.
It is crucial for parents to keep an eye out for the signs and potential causes, so they recognise the symptoms if any appear at home. Help is out there; the sooner it is sought, the sooner the disorder can be tackled head on. If you or someone you know is worried about an eating disorder, you can find more information and help at :
www.b-eat.co.uk (beating eating disorders), or call their helpline on 0345 6341414.
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