24 February to 2 March 2025 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Around 1 in 50 people across Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire experience an eating disorder. Many people struggle with their relationship with food, but not all eating difficulties qualify as eating disorders. So, what’s the difference?
Eating problems vs. eating disorders
An eating problem is any challenge you face with food and eating. It might involve emotional struggles, habits, or negative thoughts about food. In contrast, an eating disorder is a medical condition diagnosed based on specific eating behaviours.
However, eating struggles are not just about food – they’re often linked to deeper emotions. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or body size, can have an eating disorder.
Signs of an eating problem
Occasionally changing eating habits is normal. But when food starts taking over your thoughts, emotions, and daily life, it can signal a problem. You might:
- Feel anxious, guilty or ashamed about eating
- Struggle with concentration, social events or self-image
- Control food to cope with difficult feelings
- Hide your eating habits from others
The impact of eating problem
Eating issues can affect both mental and physical health. They may lead to:
- Depression, anxiety or extreme fatigue
- Avoiding social situations or feeling isolated
- Short-term or long-term health risks
Seeking help
If food and eating are affecting your life, or you are supporting someone struggling with an eating disorder, you can seek help.