INFO & ADVICE
WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS?
Eating Disorders are mental illnesses with biological and physical consequences, that have long lasting implications for the individual, carers and also the health service.
Eating disorders encompass a range of different types including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) and OSFED (Other specified eating or feeding disorder). They present in many different forms, not just the stereotypical image that is often portrayed of an emaciated white teenage girl, usually from a privileged background. Research has shown that eating disorders can affect anyone of any age, gender, sexual orientation and ethnic group.
Contrary to what we are told, an ED is not about food or body image, or even a diet that has gone wrong. A large percentage of all types of ED are genetic which means that certain personality traits placed in particular environments, result in a higher prevalence of ED. That said, it is important to also appreciate that an eating disorder serves a purpose. Humans are hard wired to avoid threat and discomfort, dysfunctional relationships with food, provide a means by which an individual can deny and avoid difficult emotions and situations.
STATISTICS ON EATING DISORDERS
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2 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. At least 8% of women report being affected at some point in their lives.
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Eating disorders do not discriminate by gender: NICE estimates around 11% of those affected by an Eating Disorder are male, but epidemiological surveys suggests this may be an underestimate.
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Unfortunately, many people do not report issues or seek treatment resulting in the appropriate care not being provided. Improving access to treatment is essential. Current long waiting lists and exclusion criteria based on BMI are harmful.
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NICE have noted that early intervention leads to the best possible recovery outcome, with their guidelines stating: “1.2.8 Do not use single measures such as BMI or duration of illness to determine whether to offer treatment for an eating disorder.” This is not being implemented.
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People with eating disorders are at an increased risk of suicide and death. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders with anorexia nervosa having the highest rate affecting young adults. Eating disorders also present with significant self-harm risks and they need to be part of suicide prevention initiatives.
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50% of eating disorder sufferers go on to recover, while 30% have a partial recovery, and 20% remain in a chronic condition. This high figure highlights the serious issues with regards to holistic and available treatment and the urgent need for more research into improving outcomes.
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The pandemic has had an additional severe impact both on patients and services, as it has been documented repeatedly in the national media and by NHS digital.
ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT SOMEONE YOU KNOW?
If I knew then - what I know now!
A note from carers, to carers...
Sorry you are reading this / you had to finds us  - we are carers - here are some points below that we wish we had known at the beginning of treatment for our loved ones.
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You know your loved one the best and crucially you knew them pre-illness.
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Collaboration with health professionals is key for better outcomes for all concerned. Hold the hope for your loved one whilst they are not able to do so themselves. Eating disorders are treatable (with timely diagnosis and intervention) and recovery is possible at any age and at any stage.
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Believe your intuition about your loved one. If you are worried enough that you are encouraging them to present to primary care, do not accept a 'wait and see' approach. The time is now.
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Food is medicine. All treatment should include nutritional rehabilitation.
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Find other carers that you can talk to. Those with lived experience have a unique capacity to help and are an excellent source of support.
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Prepare for relapse. It isn't the rule but it is common - recovery is a marathon, not a sprint
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Educate yourselves. Eating disorders are complex biologically based mental health illnesses and the behaviours that you are witnessing are the effects of starvation on the brain. Your loved one may appear hostile when in fact they can be terrified and in fight or flight mode. Third sector organisations can provide numerous resources to help you to become an effective caregiver and advocate for your loved one.
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Realise the wider impact of the eating disorder on your family and ensure that everyone is getting support - when the family is supported, the patient is supported.
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Understand that physical appearance and what is being eaten are not the sole indicators of the severity of the illness.
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Families of those with eating disorders are not dysfunctional, they are however more at the limits of their ability to function being in a state of crisis and tasked with keeping their loved one alive.   
Always hold the hope whilst your loved one cannot hold it for themselves.  Important to remember that eating disorders are treatable with recovery being possible at any age and at any stage of the illness.
TOOLKITS
FOR SCHOOL/PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
SIGNPOSTED SUPPORT
F.E.A.S.T: www.feast-ed.org
A global support and education community of and for parents of those with eating disorders.
TasteLife: www.tastelifeuk.org
An organisation providing tools for recovery for those who struggle with eating disorders and for their supporters, as well as training and courses for professionals.
FirstStepsED: www.firststepsed.co.uk
A UK charity providing care and support for children and their families, young people and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. Offering counselling, psychotherapy and other resources.
SWEDA: www.swedauk.org
A regional charity supporting people affected by eating disorders across regions in the South & West of England
Beat is the UK's leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf. They offer a helpline for sufferers and carers, as well as numerous resources and online support groups.
MEED (Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders): https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/improving-care/campaigning-for-better-mental-health-policy/college-reports/2022-college-reports/cr233