Eating disorders

Lots of young people have a problem with eating food at some point in their lives. It may be that you just don’t like the taste of some foods or you have an allergy to some. But if you’re stopping yourself from eating properly or are eating too much, then you may have an eating disorder.

Hollyoaks advice on eating disorders

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is when someone is unhappy or angry and tries to cope with these feelings by either eating or not eating. Both women and men can have an eating disorder.

• Anorexia nervosa is where you avoid eating, lose weight and may exercise a lot to lose even more weight. You may think that you’re fatter than you actually are.

• Bulimia nervosa is where you eat lots of food and then make yourself sick afterwards. Your weight may not change or it may go up and down a lot.

• Binge eating is where you eat lots of food even when you’re not hungry. You may put on weight.

Getting help

Getting help can be difficult but if you don’t, you could damage your body. You could start by talking to your friends.

For more help talk to your Personal Adviser or go to your doctor. If you’d rather talk to someone you don’t know, Childline or the B-eat Youth Line can help.

Email, text or phone the B-eat Youthline for help or talk to your Personal Adviser