WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW if you have an eating disorder

GPs should refer patients with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, for specialist treatment immediately, guidance from NICE advises.

It said sufferers should be seen close to home whether as an inpatient or day patient, and GPs shouldn’t use single measures, such as body mass index or duration of illness, to determine whether to offer treatment. Dieting, eating behaviour and physical symptoms, such as malnutrition, should also be considered.