Eating Problems

At some point, most people feel they need to lose some weight and consider a diet.

When these feelings become so strong that they dominate a person's life, they may be developing an eating disorder.

Anyone can develop an eating disorder, although they most commonly occur in young women between the ages of 15 - 25. Eating disorders can start for a variety of reasons such as stress, low self-esteem or emotional problems and they can leave a person with a distorted body image.

There are three common eating disorders:

• anorexia nervosa
• bulimia nervosa
• binge eating disorder

It is important to remember that the lines between eating disorders are often blurred and that many people exhibit mixed symptoms without meeting a precise definition.

Download our information publication: Understanding Eating Problems

We've put together helpful information, tips and useful organisations to help your someone you love better understand eating problems. Download your copy below. For more information on mental health problems and other support, check out the SAMH Information Service.