CYP Now - Health: Advice on ... Eating disorders

Disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are often thought of as trivial conditions that only affect teenage girls. However, the reality is that they are serious psychiatric conditions experienced by both sexes, as Emma Healey from the charity beat explains.

-Q: How many young people have eating disorders?

Eating disorders affect 1.1 million people in the UK. Anorexia and bulimia are the most well-known, but the term also includes binge and compulsive eating.

There are many damaging myths about eating disorders, such as that they are simply diets gone wrong or a lifestyle choice. In fact, eating disorders are serious psychiatric conditions that can have devastating effects on both the sufferer and their family.

One in 10 people affected by them might die as a result. And while it is true that young women between the ages of 14 and 25 are the most susceptible, boys can and do develop eating disorders. However, these stereotypes can make them especially reluctant to seek help and support.

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