Eating disorders develop as outward signs of inner emotional or psychological distress or problems. They become the way that people cope with difficulties in their life. Eating, or not eating, is used to help block out painful feelings. Without appropriate help and treatment, eating problems may persist through life.

Anyone can develop an eating disorder regardless of age, race, gender or background. However, young women are most vulnerable, particularly between the ages of 15-25 years.

Traumatic events can trigger anorexia or bulimia nervosa: bereavement, being bullied or abused, upheaval in the family (such as divorce) or concerns over personal relationships. Someone with a long-term illness or disability - for instance, diabetes, manic depression or deafness - may also experience eating problems.

Anorexia Nervosa

The term Anorexia nervosa means 'loss of appetite for nervous reasons' but this is misleading because the person has, in fact, lost the ability to allow themselves to satisfy their appetite. They focus on food in an attempt to cope with life. Ultimately, however, the illness itself takes control and the chemical changes in the body affect the brain and distort thinking. The physical signs of anorexia include extreme weight loss, constipation and abdominal pains, swollen stomach, face and ankles and dry, rough, discoloured skin. The psychological signs of anorexia include intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted perception of body shape and changes in personality and mood swings. The long-term effects are quite serious. Women with anorexia tend to find it more difficult to become pregnant and there is a possibility of developing osteoporosis later in life.

Bulimia Nervosa

The term, bulimia nervosa, means literally 'the hunger of an ox'. After binge eating a large quantity of food to fill the hunger gap the person will immediately rid themselves of the food they have consumed by vomiting or taking laxatives. This is an attempt to prevent themselves gaining weight. Bulimia is more difficult to detect, as the person often will not lose weight dramatically. Their chronic lack of self-confidence is often hidden. A person is most likely to develop bulimia in their late teens to early 20s. They may have had - or go on to develop - anorexia. The physical signs of bulimia include frequent weight changes, disappearing to the toilet after meals, sore throats and tooth decay, poor skin condition and irregular periods. The psychological signs can be uncontrollable urges to eat vast amounts of food, an obsession with food, emotional behaviour and mood swings and isolation. Many people do not regard their illness as a problem; whilst others despise and fear the vicious and uncontrollable cycle they are in. the long term effects are as problematic as anorexia, chaotic eating and dramatic loss of fluids can cause physical problems which can usually be corrected once the body is nourished in an even and moderate way. Other dangers include rupture of the stomach, choking and erosion of tooth enamel.

For more information on symptoms, treatments and facts, click below.

If you want to talk confidentially to one of Connexions personal advisers about an eating disorder, phone our free phone number: 0800 435 709