Eating Disorder Awareness Week

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A teacher in the Midlands who is recovering from Anorexia wants other sufferers to seek help before it’s too late.

It is thought 1 point 6 million people in the UK have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. The most common are Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Eating.

According to the NHS people with an eating disorder suffer from one or more of the following symptoms...
- A preoccupation and concern about food and gaining weight.
- Would like to lose weight even though friends or family worry that you are underweight.
- Let people around you think you have eaten when you haven’t.
- Secretive about your eating habits because you know they’re unhealthy.
- Eating makes you feel anxious, upset or guilty.
- You make yourself vomit or use laxatives in order to lose weight.
 
Katy Wilkes who teaches in Stourbridge is recovering from Anorexia and she says: "The trouble is that people with an eating disorder won’t admit they've got an eating disorder unusually until its too late. They're so ashamed that they won’t talk to anybody but my advice is to get help."

Eating Disorder Facts (NHS)

Anorexia affects one in every 200 women, and one in every 2,000 men.

Around 8% of women will be affected by bulimia at some point in their lives.

People working in occupations that require weight control, such as sportsmen or models, are more likely to develop eating disorders

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from beat by calling their helpline on 0845 634 1414. They also have a designated youth helpline on 0845 634 7650.

Click here to get more advice on spotting eating disorders and supporting those with them.