Eating disorders – “serious mental health problems”

NEXT week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week – and Warrington Borough Council’s public health team will be flagging up issues to help challenge stereotypes and stigma.
The week-long awareness campaign is led by the UK charity B-eat, which supports people affected by eating disorders and this year’s theme is Eating Disorders in the Workplace.
Eating disorders aren’t just faddy eating, or diets gone wrong. They are serious mental health problems. Although eating disorders appear to be about food and weight, the reasons they occur are varied and complex.
It’s estimated that more than 725,000 people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating.
Many eating disorders develop during adolescence, but it’s not unusual for people to develop eating disorders earlier or later in life.
Eating disorders are often seen as a condition that affects girls and young women, however, research suggests that 11 per cent of people who develop eating disorders are male.
The council’s public health team is keen to ensure that people know what health information and support is available locally and how to find it. They have created a mental health awareness website www.happyoksad.org.uk  which provides an online directory of organisations who can offer information, support or treatment for a wide range of mental health issues, including eating disorders.
Dr Rita Robertson (pictured), director of public health at Warrington, said: “If you think that you or someone you know might have an eating disorder then it’s important to get help and support.
“Depression often accompanies eating disorders, so you must go and see your GP, not only for your physical health, but to make sure you get the support and treatment you need for your emotional wellbeing too.
“Eating disorders are treatable and recovery is possible, so if you’re struggling with problems around eating, it’s important to ask for support and treatment. Your GP will be able to explain to you the different support and treatment options available.”
One option might be the specialist Eating Disorder Service based in Warrington. This service only accepts referrals from health professionals, but staff are happy to talk through the service they offer and whether it might be right for you. You can contact
Warrington and Halton Eating Disorder Service on 01925 248 475.
You can also contact B-eat via the helpline 0345 634 1414, by email: [email protected] or by visiting  www.b-eat.co.uk