Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and atypical eating disorders affect up to 6% of young women.

Men, children and older women can also have an eating disorder.

People with an eating disorder become over concerned with body shape and weight, but have underlying problems of very low self esteeem and difficulties relating with people.

They rarely see themselves as ill and try to avoid discovery of their secret behaviour.

Weight loss is seen as the only way to feel better and 'in control' of life, so people with an eating disorder generally don't seek help.


Eating disorders cause physical, psychological and social suffering, and can also have a damaging effect on the lives of carers, who are often the first to identify the problem.

Eating disorders usually last several years and don't tend to go away without help.