Disordered eating

Disordered eating is when you have an unhealthy relationship with food and eating. It can show up in subtle ways, such as having very strict habits or routines around food, spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape or using food to cope with emotions. 

These behaviours are more common than you might think and they can seriously impact your mental and physical health. Here you’ll find information, resources and options for further support if you feel you need it. 

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders, disordered eating or simply eating problems are mental health conditions.  Anyone can experience this at any age.  

Some signs that may be associated with eating problems or disordered eating: 

• Constantly thinking about food 
• Constantly thinking about the volume of food you eat 
• Feeling guilty about eating food 
• Turning to food to deal with your emotions 
• Restricting food 
• Being secretive about eating food 
• Feeling self-conscious when eating in front of others or avoiding social events where there is food
• Obsessively thinking about your body weight and shape 
• Low self-esteem or bad thoughts about how you look

Types of eating disorder

The most common eating disorders are:

• anorexia nervosa (often called anorexia) – trying to control your weight by not eating enough food, exercising too much or doing both
• bulimia – losing control over how much you eat and then taking drastic action to not put on weight
• binge eating disorder (BED) – eating large portions of food until you feel uncomfortably full.

Getting support and advice

If you recognise yourself in the behaviours above, there is support available at the University: 

• Contact your GP or the University Health Centre - see Access Health Services
• Reach out to our Wellbeing team 
• Use the Wisdom app 

You can also seek support from friends, family, people you trust or your support network.

Other sources of advice and support

There is plenty of help and support available externally if you have concerns about food or eating.

• BEAT eating disorders charity helpline
• NHS eating disorders overview
• Young Minds
• Eating disorder support app