20,000 in Ulster living with an eating disorder

Fifth of anorexia victims killed by illness

ALMOST 20,000 people are struggling with an eating disorder in Northern Ireland, a support group said yesterday.

A fifth of people with anorexia die from physical complications or suicide, research showed.

And the Eating Disorders Association Northern Ireland said it typically takes almost three years for those affected to seek help.

Project manager Ann Mccann added: “Many people are suffering in silence and are unable to access the care they so desperately need.”

The association estimates between 18,000 and 20,000 people here struggle with an eating disorder at any one time.

It said: “Disorders are often misunderstood with much stigma attached to them. However, they are in actual fact serious psychological illnesses.” Anorexia has the highest mortality rate amongst all psychiatric illnesses.

Ms Mccann added: “We’ve been hearing calls for greater and improved mental health care in Northern Ireland and eating disorders need to be recognised as a fundamental element of poor mental health.

“Eating disorders are not a choice and do not discriminate, anyone can suffer from one.”

She did, however, insist recovery is possible.

Ms Mccann said: “It’s dependent on early access to support and care, not only for those with the illness need but their families too.

“We are here to be a voice for those struggling but greater understanding and increased support services are desperately needed to save lives.”

EATING DISORDERS ASSOCIATION