Causes of eating disorders

Between 10%- 18% of people suffering from eating disorders die from the side effects of starvation, major organ failure or depression.

That’s according to Milton Keynes based community orgnaisation BalancED MK, which supports those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their carers.

But what could case an eating disorder?

Emma Bacon is the founder of BalancED MK, which she set up after suffering from anorexia in her early 20s.

She told us that with eating disorders there is almost always underlying problems or issues with are often very complicated. Emma told heart that her problems were related to low self-esteem, body image, as well as the pressures of everyday life.

The national charity Beat, which helps people suffering from eating disorders as well as their families, says that other factors which can lead to an eating disorder include family relationships, problems with friends, the death of someone special, problems at work, college or at university, lack of confidence, sexual or emotional abuse.

Heart has spoken to many people from the Milton Keynes area who are recovering from eating disorders, many of whom say that they use an eating disorder as a way of taking control.

A female teenager from Milton Keynes, who is recovering from anorexia and who wants to remain anonymous, told heart “You have perfect control of how much you eat and how much exercise you do, and then it’s almost like something that you can hide behind.”

However, you eventually realise that rather than you being in control, it is the eating disorder that’s in control of you.

If you want to talk to someone about eating disorders, or find out more, then visit the help and advice sections on out website.