Eating Disorder Awareness Week

It is estimated that over 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. Eating Disorder Awareness Week (24 February to 2 March) brings people’s attention to the conditions that may impact many people in different ways, and informs them of the support that is available to help manage their mental health and eating habits.

As one of the most significant mental health challenges, eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

What is an eating disorder?

According to the NHS, the most common eating disorders include:

• anorexia nervosa (anorexia): characterised by attempts to control weight through restrictive eating, excessive exercise, or both
• bulimia: involves episodes of losing control when eating, followed by extreme measures to prevent weight gain
• binge eating disorder (BED): repeated episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often to the point of discomfort
• other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED): a diagnosis given when a person’s symptoms don’t fully align with the criteria for a specific eating disorder but still significantly impact their health and wellbeing
• avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): involves avoiding certain foods, restricting food intake, or both, often due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or lack of interest in eating

Signs and symptoms

Eating disorders can present in various ways, affecting both mental and physical health. Common symptoms include:

Behavioural and emotional signs:

• constantly worrying about weight and body shape or experiencing mood changes
• avoiding social situations that involve food
• restricting food intake significantly
• inducing vomiting or using laxatives after eating
• excessive exercise
• developing strict routines or rituals around food

Physical symptoms:

• feeling cold, tired, or dizzy frequently
• experiencing tingling, numbness, or pain in the arms and legs due to poor circulation
• heart palpitations, fainting, or feeling lightheaded
• digestive issues

Warning signs

Recognising the early signs of disordered eating can help ensure timely support and intervention. Some warning signs may include:

• significant or sudden weight loss
• hiding or lying about food intake or weight
• eating large amounts of food quickly
• frequently visiting the bathroom after meals
• avoiding meals or eating in social settings
• wearing loose or oversized clothing to conceal weight loss

Support for disordered eating

It can be hard to talk about disordered eating, but it is important to get the appropriate medical help and support as soon as possible.

If you think you may have an eating disorder, it's important to see a GP as soon as possible. During your appointment, the GP will discuss your eating habits, how you're feeling, and assess your overall health and weight.

BEAT provide outstanding support for all people who may be experiencing disordered eating. Their website has a variety of resources to provide advice and support, as well as a helpline that is open for a supportive conversation from 3pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday, which can be reached by calling 0808 801 0677. BEAT also have a web chat facility and you can sign up to their online peer support groups if you wish.

The Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) at the University of Essex offers a welcome and friendly space where you will be able to talk about anything that is happening in your life. If you would like to speak with us, you can make an appointment which will last for 30 minutes and can be in-person, by phone, or by Zoom. If you have any difficulties booking an appointment, please email wellbeing@essex.ac.uk. Once you have booked an appointment online, you will receive an email confirmation. If your plans change, you will be able to reschedule your appointment online too.

The University Counselling Service is open to all registered students, including those who are intermitting from their studies on medical grounds. If you feel that counselling might be beneficial for you, you can complete a counselling form via My Essex.

The Student Wellbeing Support Line is also open 24 hours a day, including over weekends and bank holidays. The number is 0800 028 3766.

We give you access to SilverCloud, an online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) resource that offers a range of programmes on mental health, wellbeing, and long-term conditions. To learn more about SilverCloud, watch this video.

And you can also use Togetherall, the safe, online, peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7. To sign up, go to togetherall.com and use your student email address to register as a member of a university or college.