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Eating disorders

This page covers the definitions of eating disorders as well as the support and resources available to you.

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental health condition defined by abnormal eating behaviour. This disorder is an addictive behaviour which can cause serious impairment to your physical or mental health. 

There are many types of eating disorders characterised by a range of compulsive behaviours, such as eating too little or too much food. The most common types of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder (BED), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).

Eating disorders can be comorbid with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition defined by severe concerns about physical appearance and compulsions which disrupt your everyday life.  

Overconsuming or restricting your consumption of food to cope with emotions, and feeling unable to stop this behaviour, indicates an eating disorder. 

Eating disorders can begin as restrictive behaviour changes which lead to compulsions. The short-term and long-term risks of eating disorders include, but are not limited to:

  • Dehydration and starvation.
  • Chronic bowel issues and constipation.
  • Additional health issues such as menstrual problems, tooth decay, osteoporosis, stomach rupture, pancreatitis, diabetes and heart failure.
  • Extreme fatigue and reduced concentration.
  • Poor academic or work performance.
  • Depression and anxiety.
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). 
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Increased mortality risk.

Resources and support

If you are experiencing problems relating to eating behaviours, or know someone who is, please remember that you are not alone. You can access free and confidential support at UCL as a registered student. Our empathetic team can support you to find the best treatment method for your needs. 

There are also a number of services and websites that can help you better understand and cope with eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Anonymous

Eating Disorder Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from eating disorders.

Use the EDA search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or online.

You can email the General Service Board at info@eatingdisordersanonymous.org to contact the organisation.

Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain

Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular meetings in local communities to support recovery from compulsive eating and overeating disorders. 

Use the OAGB search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area.

You can send an enquiry to contact the organisation.

Anxiety, Self-Image and Mood (AIM) Clinic

The Anxiety, Self-Image and Mood (AIM) Clinic is a NHS mental health service which specialises in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and related anxiety and mood difficulties. The AIM Clinic offers assessment and treatment for young people and young adults up to 24 years old. 

The team are based within the UCL University Clinic and are part of Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. You can make a referral through Camden Talking Therapies and email the team at nlft.aimclinic@nhs.net.

Visit the AIM Clinic webpage

NHS

You can refer to the NHS page on eating disorders for comprehensive guidance on symptoms, support and treatment.

Beat Eating Disorders

Beat is the leading UK charity supporting people affected by eating disorders. The charity has a helpline available by phone, email or webchat open from 3pm – 8pm, Monday to Friday. 

The Beat HelpFinder tool allows you to search for support services in your local area.

Visit the Beat Eating Disorders website.

FREED

FREED offers information, advice and support if you’re worried about eating, weight, shape or someone else. The best way forward is to get help and support early, and to know you are not alone. 

FREED provides self-help material as well as guidance on how to get professional help.

Visit the FREED website. 

Mind

Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales offering advice and information on mental health disorders. 

The charity has a dedicated webpage on support for eating disorders, explaining the range of treatment options available to you. 

Visit the Mind webpage on treatment and support for eating disorders.

Rehab 4 Addiction

Rehab 4 Addiction is an advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction.

Rehab 4 Addiction works closely with rehabilitation centres and outpatient clinics throughout the United Kingdom, and the admissions team matches a patients’ addiction with an appropriately placed rehabilitation centre. They offer rehabilitation centres patient referrals and always prioritise the needs of the specific patient when doing so. They maintain a substantial network of rehabilitation centres throughout the United Kingdom, including private rehabilitation centres and the NHS.

You can call Rehab 4 Addiction to make an enquiry on +44 (0)800 140 4690. 

Visit the Rehab 4 Addiction website.