It can be hard if you struggle with your weight but there are ways you can help deal with worries that could be affecting your health and wellbeing.
Everyone has unique eating habits. Some days you might eat more than other days. Some days you might eat healthily and others you might indulge on your favourite foods a little more. This is completely normal.
But sometimes the way we feel about food and eating can become overwhelming and cause anxiety or stress.
Here are some signs that you might be suffering from an eating problem:
Myth vs fact
Myth: Eating problems only affect girls.
Fact: Anyone can struggle – about 1 in 4 people with an eating disorder are male.
Eating problems can affect anyone, no matter your body shape, lifestyle, gender, culture, age, or ethnicity.
What causes an eating disorder?
Eating problems can be triggered by stress, other mental health issues like anxiety, or pressure from media and social media about how you should look.
Signs and symptoms you have an eating problem
- Losing your appetite
- Eating when you’re not hungry or to cope with feelings
- Obsessing about your body shape
- Only eating certain foods or following extreme diets
- Being afraid of gaining weight
- Constantly thinking about food
- Sudden weight changes or trying to gain lots of muscle
- Making yourself sick or using laxatives
- Hiding food or leaving the table to be sick
- Feeling self-conscious about eating with others
- Feeling guilty or worried about certain foods
- Wanting to eat but not being able to
- Limiting food to feel in control
- Exercising more than usual or feeling you must exercise after eating
Remember: Everyone experiences symptoms differently, and your weight or appearance doesn’t define the problem. If you’re struggling with any of these, talk to someone you trust or contact a helpline.
Different types of eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa is where you might eat very little, exercise too much, or follow strict rules about food. You may see yourself as larger than you are and worry about gaining weight.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
You avoid certain foods or limit how much you eat, not to lose weight. Reasons can include:
- Sensory sensitivity: struggling with the look, smell, texture, or taste of food
- Limited interest: not feeling hungry or seeing eating as a chore
- Worries about eating: fear of choking, vomiting, or stomach pain
Bulimia nervosa is where you may binge-eat and then purging which is trying to get rid of food or calories after eating, like by being sick or over-exercising. Bingeing is often uncontrollable and linked to coping with emotions.
Binge-eating disorder is when you eat large amounts of food quickly, even when not hungry, and feel unable to stop. Unlike bulimia, you don’t purge which is trying to get rid of food or calories after eating, like by being sick or over-exercising afterward.
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder)
Your symptoms don’t fully match anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. Examples:
- Atypical anorexia – all anorexia symptoms, but weight is “normal”
- Low frequency bingeing or purging
- Night eating syndrome – eating a lot at night or waking to eat
- Purging disorder – purging without bingeing
Pica is when you eat non-food items like soap, chalk, or dirt, usually alongside regular food.
Eating problems can become serious and even life-threatening without support. If you’re struggling, talk to someone- you’re not at fault and you deserve help.
There are many places you can get support and here are a couple of them:
Talk to someone you trust – if you think you might have an eating disorder, speak up. It can feel scary, but talking to someone is often the first step to feeling better.
Speak to a professional – getting your relationship with food back on track can be tough, but your doctor can help. Talking therapy is one option- chatting with a trained professional who can help you understand and deal with the problem.
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling the Beat helpline on 0808 801 0677.
Refer your self to a service – the help finder on Beat’s website can help you find care in your area.
You can also ask your GP to support you with this or visit the NHS website for more information.
Something to try
Eating well doesn’t have to mean strict rules or boring meals.
Food should feel good — enjoyable, nourishing, and never stressful.
You can find simple, affordable recipes that make cooking easier — whether it’s just for you or to share with others.
Explore the recipes and guides for ideas that work for you
Get online support
There is lot’s of online support available to help you along the way. Check out:
It can be difficult to know what to do if you’re worried that someone has an eating disorder.
They may not realise they have an eating disorder. They may also deny it, or be secretive and defensive about their eating or weight.
Let them know you’re worried about them and encourage them to see a GP. You could offer to go along with them.
Read more about talking to your child about eating disorders and supporting someone with an eating disorder.
The NHS website has some really great tips to help you guide your child along the way.
