Eating disorders and difficulties with eating can affect anyone. They don't have a particular look, and you can't tell how much someone is struggling based on their appearance. You might be worried about your own relationship with food, eating, exercise or your body. Or perhaps you've noticed changes in someone you care about and aren't sure what to do.

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Whatever has brought you here, you don't need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what's happening before reaching out for support.

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What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that can affect someone's relationship with food, eating, exercise and their body.

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There are different types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED).

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Everyone's experience is different. Eating disorders can affect people of any gender, age, ethnicity, body shape or background.

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Beat has more information about different eating disorders, including signs and symptoms.

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What causes an eating disorder?

There isn't one single reason why someone develops an eating disorder.

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They can be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, social and environmental factors and life experiences. For some people, difficulties around food or eating can also be connected with things like anxiety, low mood, self-esteem or feeling a need for control.

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It's important not to blame yourself or someone else for developing an eating disorder.

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Whatever the reason, support is available.

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Do I need a diagnosis before asking for help?

You don't need to meet particular criteria, have a diagnosis or feel that things have become “bad enough” before talking to someone.

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If you're worried about your relationship with food, eating, exercise or your body, that's enough reason to ask for support.

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Reaching out earlier can help you understand what's happening and find the support that's right for you.

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What are some common myths about eating disorders?

There are lots of misconceptions around eating disorders which can make it harder for people to recognise when they need support.

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• “You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.”
  
  You can't. Eating disorders can affect people at any weight or body size, and someone's appearance doesn't tell you how unwell they are.

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• “Eating disorders only affect women.”
  
  Eating disorders can affect people of all genders. Stereotypes about who experiences an eating disorder can make it more difficult for some people to recognise what's happening or ask for help.

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• “It's a choice.”
  
  Eating disorders are mental health conditions. Someone can't simply decide to stop having one. Recovery can take time and often involves support from healthcare professionals.

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• “It's only about food or wanting to lose weight.”
  
  Eating disorders are complex. Someone's thoughts and behaviours around food might be connected to emotions, self-esteem, body image, anxiety, perfectionism, control or other things happening in their life. Everyone's experience will be different.

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Where can I get support at university?

The University’s Wellbeing Services can support students experiencing eating difficulties.

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There is also an Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group, which provides a space for students with lived experience to connect with and support each other.

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Peer support isn't a replacement for professional healthcare, but it can be helpful to speak with people who understand some of what you're experiencing.

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What other support is available?

Beat is the UK's eating disorder charity and provides information and support for people experiencing eating disorders as well as their friends and family.

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Their website includes information about different eating disorders, getting treatment, supporting somebody else and accessing their support services.

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You can also speak to your GP or the Student Health Centre. They can talk to you about what you're experiencing and what further support or treatment might be appropriate.

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You don't need to work out exactly which service you need before reaching out.

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What if I'm worried about someone else?

If you've noticed changes in someone's relationship with food, eating, exercise or their body, you might be unsure whether to say something.

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Try to choose a private time to talk when neither of you feels rushed.

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Focus on the person and how they're feeling rather than their appearance, weight or what they're eating.

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You could say:

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“I've noticed you don't seem yourself lately and I'm worried about you. How are you doing?”

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Listen without judgement and avoid trying to diagnose them or telling them what they should eat.

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You can encourage them to speak to their GP, Wellbeing Services or an eating disorder support organisation such as Beat.

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They might not be ready to talk or seek support straight away. You can still let them know you're there for them.

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Beat also has specific guidance for supporting somebody you think may have an eating disorder.

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What if I need urgent help?

Eating disorders can affect both physical and mental health.

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If you're concerned about your physical health or symptoms, contact your GP or NHS 111 for medical advice.

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If you or somebody else is seriously unwell or in immediate danger, call 999.

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If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, the University's Urgent Support page explains where you can get help.

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How can the Advice Team help?

Our Advice Team isn't a specialist eating disorder or mental health service, but we can help if what's happening is affecting other areas of your university experience.

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For example, we can help you understand your options if your health is affecting your studies or assessments, talk through relevant University processes and signpost you to further support.

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You don't have to share more about your health than you're comfortable with when first getting in touch.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com to speak to the Advice Team.

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You don't have to wait until things get worse before asking for help. If you're worried about your relationship with food, eating, exercise or your body, reaching out can be an important first step.