Food and eating play a very important part in our lives. We all like different sorts of foods, and we all eat different amounts at different times.
However some eating habits can be damaging and can lead to an eating disorder.
An eating disorder is when you have a compulsion to eat or to avoid eating. It can have a negative impact on both your body and you mental health. An eating disorder can take over every aspect of you life and even the smallest of your daily decisions can be influenced by it.
The most common eating disorders are:
It is unlikely that an eating disorder will result from a single cause. It is much more likely to come from a combination of events or feelings that leave you feeling unable to cope.
There are a number of organisations that can help if you think that you, or a friend or family member have an eating disorder.