Bulimia and anorexia
Bulimia and anorexia are particular kinds of eating problems, often experienced by children and young people.
They are serious mental health conditions themselves, and can lead to other physical and emotional problems. In both cases, the conditions are lasting and very serious so professional help should be sought.
Anorexia
People with anorexia nervosa have an extreme fear of gaining weight. They feel fat even when they have lost so much weight that it becomes obvious to others. They may starve themselves by only eating tiny quantities of food.
They become so preoccupied with their weight and shape, and so distorted in their thinking about food, that it is very difficult for them to accept the need to eat a proper diet.
Nevertheless, they remain fascinated with food and often enjoy cooking for others. Sometimes they may pretend to have eaten when they have not. They may exercise vigorously, use laxatives or make themselves sick in order to lose more weight. A girl's periods may stop or never even start.
Bulimia
People with bulimia nervosa eat large amounts of food in 'binges' and then make themselves sick to get rid of the food. They may also take large amounts of laxatives. They may not look overweight or underweight, and because of this their eating problems are often difficult to detect. Continuous bingeing and vomiting can eventually do serious harm to their bodies.
Useful websites
Royal College of Psychiatrists
BEAT (formally the Eating Disorders Association)
