EATING DISORDERS

When you're young, it's important that you look good. And to look good, so the theory goes, you need to be thin, so you should go on a diet. But the fact of the matter is, diets just don't work. Whilst you might lose some weight for a short time, the odds are you'll just put the weight (and maybe more) back on once you stop dieting.

The important thing is to be positive about food, follow the balance of good health above and, even more importantly, be positive about yourself, both who you are as a person and your body.

But sometimes, people do develop food-related problems. These problems can be very serious, and if you feel that you may have an eating disorder, you should contact your doctor.

Anorexia Nervosa

This is an illness in which the sufferer wants to be thin but believes they are fatter than they really are -?? whilst everyone else can see how pain fully thin they are. With anorexia, you simply eat less and less in a hopeless attempt to get rid of fat that isn't there. Anorexia shouldn't be con fused with normal anxieties about weight -?? every-one worries from time to time about the way they look.

Bulimia Nervosa

Like anorexics, bulimics suffer from a fear of becoming fat. However, sufferers usually manage to keep their weight within normal limits. Bulimics binge -?? they eat a lot of food in a short time - and then either make themselves sick or take laxatives to keep their weight down. Eventually, this pattern of eating takes over.

Signs to watch for

People with eating disorders often try to hide it. These are some things to watch for:

• Skipping meals or becoming obsessed with calories
• Only eating very low calorie foods
• Sudden loss or gain in weight
• Not wanting to talk about the amount of food eaten
• Wearing loose clothes to hide body shape
• Disappearing straight after eating (to be sick)
• Not eating with others at mealtimes

If someone you know has a problem, the best thing to do is support them and try to get them to accept they need help. Eating disorders can be overcome, but no one can be forced to get help. As a first step, sufferers should:

• Talk to someone they trust - friends, family, or doctor
• Contact the Eating Disorders Association Youthline for 18yrs and under, on 0845 6347650 (4.00-6.30pm, Mon-Fri) or the Adult Helpline on 0845 634 1414 (8.30am-8.30pm, Mon-Fri). Minicom service 01603 753322 (8.30am 8.30pm, Mon-Fri).