Food and eating is an important factor in our physical and mental wellbeing. Worry about eating, diet and concerns about how you look is common. Eating behaviours can vary between person to person. You do not have to be under or overweight to experience problems around your eating. These problems can affect people at any age and any gender.
Over the course of their life, many people will become very aware of their body image.
There are also many reasons why people might change their eating habits. This may be for health, ethical reasons or lifestyle choices. Being unhappy with your body and changing your eating habits does not always mean you have an eating disorder.
However, if you find that your body image and your eating habits take priority over other things in your life, then this may be a sign that you need more support.
An eating disorder isn’t just a fad diet, or a desire to lose weight. An eating disorder is a mental health issue, that can impact significantly on your physical health.
People are at higher risk of developing eating disorders if they have certain personality traits such as perfectionism, are high achievers, have experienced an adverse event in their life, or feel unable to control aspects of their life.
A big part of an eating disorder is usually being too focused on your shape and weight. This causes the person to engage in restrictive behaviours to control this (for example strict dieting or over exercising). Food and diet might also be used to manage and regulate how we feel.
It can be a debilitating illness, that impacts on all aspects of life including work, family, social life.
There are many ways you can help yourself if you are struggling with your eating or concerned about your body image. There are charitable organisations that offer a wealth of support for you and your loved ones.
If you feel that you need a specialist NHS support, you will need to get in touch with your GP, who will ask you about your eating habits and behaviours, your mental wellbeing and do some physical checks. If they suspect that you are experiencing an eating disorder or feel that you need some support, they will refer you to mental health services for an assessment.
Resources you might find helpful
Eating Disorders Service
The eating disorder service in Swansea Bay University Health Board provides specialist care for people, who are care managed by the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).
If you think you need specialist support for an eating disorder but do not have a care manager, please contact 111 press option 2 or speak to your GP.
