There are several different types of eating disorder, the most common being anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that all involve an unhealthy relationship with food and eating, and often an intense fear of being overweight.

If you have an eating disorder you may experience one or more of the following:

• You have a preoccupation and concern about food and gaining weight.
• You would like to lose weight even though friends or family worry that you are underweight.
• You let people around you think you have eaten when you haven’t.
• You’re secretive about your eating habits because you know they’re unhealthy.
• Eating makes you feel anxious, upset or guilty.
• You make yourself vomit or use laxatives in order to lose weight.

Anyone can develop an eating disorder, regardless of background. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa occur in about 0.5% of girls and young women in developed societies. Of all people with anorexia nervosa, 1 in 10 is male, with young males being most commonly affected.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member, it can be difficult to know what to do. It is common for someone with an eating disorder to be secretive and defensive about their eating and their weight, and they are likely to deny being unwell.

You can talk in confidence to your GP by making an appointment  online or phoning 8038 1070, visit the Butterfly Foundation for more information.