Many critics of media and popular culture have blamed the idealisation of thinness for the increase in eating disorders. While there is a link, this is an overly simplistic explanation. A combination of social, psychological and biological / genetic factors contribute to the condition.

Those with a family history of depression, obesity or mental disorders may be at a greater risk. Young women (between age 12 - 25) from middle to upper income families are most affected.

The two most common forms of eating disorders are: anorexia - characterised by a disturbed sense of body image, marked weight loss, morbid fear of being overweight and amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods), and bulimia - a disorder in which frequent episodes of binge eating (rapid consumption of food in one sitting) are almost always followed by purging (ridding the body of food).

FACT: Eating disorders occur nearly 20 times more frequently in women than in men, although this gap has been closing. High expectations of achievements and an extreme preoccupation with looking good may play a part.

Treatment
Left untreated, eating disorders can be life threatening. Self imposed starvation is fatal in one-fifth of sufferers. Permanent damage can occur if the disorder is not put under control. If you feel you are suffering from an eating disorder, you can seek help from your doctor or an agency dealing with the condition.

USEFUL CONTACTS

The Eating Disorders Association
Sackville Place
44 Magdalene Street
Norwich
Tel. 01603 621 414

The Northern Initiative on Women and Eating
1 Pink Lane
Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 5DW
Tel. 0191 221 0253

The Women’s Therapy Centre
Tel: 020 7263 6200 (Advice and information line)
Fax: 020 7281 7879 (and education line)