ANOREXIA AND MENTAL HEALTH THE FACTS

Dr Bryony Bamford is clinical director and a consultant clinical psychologist at The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image, and has specialised in the treatment of eating disorders for nearly 20 years

How common is atypical anorexia?

In the UK, atypical anorexia is categorised under the umbrella of ‘other specified feeding and eating disorders’ (OSFED).

It’s likely that this is an extremely common form of eating disorder – many of our clients will meet its criteria. However, the majority of sufferers either find it difficult to access support, or don’t attempt to do so for fear of being seen as ‘not ill enough’. It can be difficult to access targeted support within the NHS, but you can find it through specialist eating disorder charities or private clinics. It’s important to do so, as symptoms rarely resolve by themselves.

Besides weight loss, what are the signs that you – or someone you love – might be struggling?

Symptoms include extreme attempts to reduce or control food intake, an intense dislike of your body weight and shape, fear of weight gain and preoccupation with food, eating and weight. Extreme food restriction is still physically damaging to the body, even when not paired with low weight. Generally, people who are eating restrictively won’t be giving their bodies sufficient calories nor the nutrition needed to maintain good health. There are many physical and psychological consequences of food restriction even at healthy or higher weights, such as chronic constipation, anxiety and feelings of isolation.

Why is it important that people see anorexia as a mental health issue?

All eating disorders have underlying psychological causes, they’re not just a diet taken to the extreme – and they are never just about weight. In fact, the psychological and social effects of eating disorders can be as detrimental as the physical ones. Even when weight is restored, sufferers will need specialist help to overcome the lingering psychological and emotional symptoms of an eating disorder.

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s relationship with food, contact Beat, the UK’S eating disorder charity, on 0808 801 0677 or go to beateatingdisorders.org.uk