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.
External support
There are also a number of services and websites that can help you better understand and cope with eating disorders.
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 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.
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.
You can refer to the NHS page on eating disorders for comprehensive guidance on symptoms, support and treatment.
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.
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.
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.
The St. Ann's Eating Disorder Service is a national specialist NHS centre based at St Ann’s Hospital in the London Borough of Haringey.
They provide care and treatment to people aged 18 years and above with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.
They cover a catchment area of the North Central and North East London NHS sectors (Camden, Islington, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey).
Resources
Books on Eating disorders and body image
‘Overcoming Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating: A self help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques’, by Peter Cooper
Description: “Now in its second edition, Peter Cooper’s sympathetic and highly acclaimed guide gives a clear explanation of the disorder and the serious health issues that can result from it. He describes the treatments available today and, most importantly, sets out a self-help guide for those who want to tackle their difficulties for themselves, with a step-by-step programme.”Read ‘Overcoming Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating’.
‘Overcoming Body Image Problems including Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A self help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques’, by Alex Clarke, David Veale and Rob Willson
Description: “Many people occasionally suffer from a negative body self-image but, for an increasing number of people, this can turn into a more serious preoccupation. One per cent of the population will develop Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a condition characterised by severe preoccupation with a perceived physical defect.”
Read ‘Overcoming Body Image Problems including Body Dysmorphic Disorder’.
‘Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa: A self help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques’, by Christopher Freeman
Description: “Originally developed as a manual for anorexia patients at his eating disorders clinic in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Chris Freeman’s is the first self-help book based on cognitive behavioural therapy to counter this most notorious and widespread of eating disorders.”
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