Understanding Eating Disorders: A Growing Concern in the UK

The prevalence of eating disorders in the UK continues to rise, with at least 1.25 million individuals affected, according to recent data. Latest statistics estimate that 7.5% of our population are grappling with these serious mental health conditions.

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, observed from 23rd February to 1st March, Lee Hawker-Lecesne, Clinical Program Director at The Cabin, Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Thailand, looks at the effect of social media on body image, how to spot the signs of an eating disorder, and how to get help.

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders can take many different forms but when abnormal habits around eating, exercise, and weight take control, an eating disorder can arise including disordered eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, amongst others. These obsessions can cause serious damage to an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. 

Signs and symptoms of an eating disorder:

• Preoccupation with weight and body shape
• Strict food habits or routines
• Self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives
• Excessive or compulsive exercise
• Avoidance of social situations involving food
• Mood fluctuations and behavioral changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Physical symptoms such as digestive issues, weight fluctuations, feeling cold, fatigue, or dizziness

How Social Media Platforms Impact of Eating Disorders

Social media platforms have been identified as significant contributors to the development and exacerbation of eating disorders, especially among adolescents.

Eating disorders are driven significantly by social media’s impact on body image, with videos promoting dangerous “diet tips” and unrealistic, non-expert health advice leaving users experiencing feelings of being judged or criticized for their food choices due to online content.

Lee states that: “Social media can affect well-being: The impact on mental health is multifaceted, encompassing impaired sleep, cyber victimization, and social comparison. Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can affect anyone, no matter what gender, age, background, or ethnicity.

This is a human issue, and left untreated, it can result in serious long-term consequences. More awareness and education are needed to combat media-fueled stereotypes and encourage early intervention.”

How & When To Get Help

If you experience feelings of guilt or shame when you eat, are preoccupied by thoughts of being thinner, eat in isolation, weigh yourself at least once a day, skip meals to control your weight, exercise more than once a day, or vomit after meals, you might be struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder.

These behaviors and thoughts can develop gradually, often becoming ingrained before an individual recognizes the severity of the issue. Identifying these patterns early and acknowledging the impact they have on your daily life is an important step toward seeking professional support and intervention.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, professional help should be sought promptly. Early treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. Contacting a General Practitioner (GP) is the first step toward accessing support and treatment.

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