Eating disorders

On this page we explore who can be affected, and where to seek help and support.

What is an eating disorder?

The term eating disorder is used to describe illnesses that are characterised by irregular eating habits and severe anxiety about body weight and/or shape.

Who is affected?

Eating disorders can affect anybody at any age. Common misconceptions are that it is mainly women who are affected by eating disorders. However, men can also be affected by issues such as low self-esteem, body image and an obsessive relationship with food.

Beating Eating Disorders (Beat) has indicated that as many as 1.6 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder. For  further information, visit the Beat website.

Treatment for eating disorders

Treatment for eating disorders is available, and has the potential to very positively impact someone’s quality of life. For further information on all the current treatments offered by the NHS, see the NHS website.

Some people may benefit from residential treatment. Residential treatment ordinarily includes therapy, nutritional counselling, group support and complementary therapies. Funding for residential treatment is sometimes provided by the NHS. For further information, you can find services near you.

Help from Pharmacist Support 

This service provides access to a fully qualified counsellor who can help you to find the eating disorder treatment that is right for you. If you have an eating disorder, you can contact Addiction Support directly 0808 168 5132.

Read more about Pharmacist Support’s Addiction Support service

Useful organisations

Anorexia nervosa and related eating disorders (ANRED)

ANRED is an organization that provides information about all the well-known and the lesser known eating disorders. The website also includes self-help tips and information about recovery and prevention. For further information, see the ANRED website.

Beating eating disorders (BEAT) 

Beat is a charity that provides support to anybody who has been affected by eating disorders. Services include helplines, on-line support groups and local support groups. For further information, see the BEAT website.

 

This page was reviewed in February 2024.

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Counselling

If you would benefit from professional psychological support, we offer a confidential counselling service. You can access counselling sessions via phone, Zoom or for those within travelling distance to Altrincham, face to face.

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Nutrition and healthy eating

Healthy eating is one of the factors that contribute to our wellbeing, but what constitutes a healthy diet? On this page you'll find lots of information and guidance to support you with nutrition and eating healthier in general.

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Wellbeing

Wellbeing can be affected by all manner of different things, for example: diet and lifestyle, workplace pressures and personal relationships.