What are eating disorders?
Eating and feeding disorders come in all shapes and sizes, and can be very confusing. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. They usually begin in adolescence, but can occur at any time.
They are not a lifestyle choice or phase.
There are different types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).
They all affect the way we think, feel and behave. They are all serious. However, they’re all treatable. Without treatment, they usually get worse. Despite what you might have heard, it’s possible to make a full recovery. But seeking help early is your best chance of getting there. Most people who come to us early go on to fully recover. If you’re unsure about whether you should be worried, please get in touch.
We can help
To find out more about eating disorders visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
If you’re unsure about whether you should be worried, please contact your GP or other healthcare professional.
Due an unprecedented increase in referrals since the pandemic, self-referrals to our service from young people, parents, or carers are temporarily suspended for all eating disorders including ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
If you are under 18, or the parent/carer of a young person under 18, live in the boroughs of Lewisham, Bromley, Southwark, Greenwich, Croydon, Bexley or Lambeth, please seek a referral from your GP or other healthcare professional.
We also have a range of resources to help you on your journey
