An eating disorder is an illness spurred on by emotional or psychological turmoil, resulting in an overly obsessive relationship with food and eating. Over one million people in the UK suffer from eating disorders, with the majority of those numbers being made up by young women aged between 15 and 25. However, that doesn't mean that older women and men are exempt from being affected by the affliction.

I've heard of anorexia, but what others are there?

There are lots of different eating disorders with different characteristics and behaviour patterns, but the following three are the most widespread in the UK:

• Anorexia - This psychological condition causes the sufferer to see an inaccurate view of their own body, making them believe they are a different size to what is reality. This results in them stopping themselves from eating and deliberately starving themselves to lose more weight, despite often being scarily thin already.
• Bulimia - Sufferers of bulimia go through a vicious cycle that involves them gorging on food until they are full and immediately making themselves sick afterwards. It is also common for bulimics to use laxatives to bring on diarrhoea, allowing them to get rid of food that way too. The binging often brings on feelings of guilt, resulting in the sufferer quickly removing the food from their body.
• BED - Binge Eating Disorder, also known as food addiction or comfort eating, causes the sufferer to continually eat uncontrollably, even when not physically hungry. If untreated, this can lead to obesity, depression and other major medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

Isn't it just a phase?

NO. Despite some people believing that eating disorders are brought on by teenage rebellion, they are often caused by a recent tragedy or traumatic event. Bullying, bereavements and family issues can trigger the disorder, as well as stress and pressure. Eating disorders can give victims the falsified feeling of control (by governing their diet and body shape) when their lives are plagued by problems. Remember, teenagers are not the only age group to be affected by eating disorders!

How will I know if my friend is suffering?

There are multiple symptoms to look out for, but things all depend on what illness is affecting the person. Some of the most noticeable signs to look out for are:

• Obsession over food intake and extreme calorie counting
• An extreme difference in weight (either gained or lost)
• Obsession over exercise and fitness
• Use of diet pills, laxatives, enemas or ipecac syrup (to induce vomiting)
• Acting defensively/anxiously when questioned about eating habits
• Mood swings, depression, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, insomnia
• Disappearing from the table immediately after eating (to induce vomiting)
• Constant self-defeating comments/low self-esteem - "I'm so fat", "I'm so stupid"
• Secretive eating patterns, e.g. hiding food, flushing it down the toilet
• Leg or joint pain, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, bruising under the eyes, hair loss
• Loss of menstrual cycle, constipation or incontinence
• Fear of eating with others around them

Of course, some of these signs do not definitely point to an eating disorder. For example, a person who is obsessed with exercise may have a completely natural and healthy diet, so it's best to be completely sure of all the facts before acting on your suspicions. Though, remember the phrase: "There's no smoke without fire", which means if you have reason to worry about your friend, you are probably not far off.

How can I help them?

Just like other psychological afflictions, eating disorders can be overcome if the sufferer is willing to ask for help. Accepting the illness is the first step, but professional advice and support is required. Encourage the sufferer to talk to somebody they trust (you, family, a doctor, another friend) about their disorder, before seeking out support from a doctor, counsellor, therapist or dietician. By being referred to a support counsellor, the affected will be treated via dietary control as well as psychiatry to find the root of the issue.

But, will it work?

If you/they give it a chance! Examples of notable people who have battled eating disorders, such as anorexia, include Victoria Beckham, Kate Beckinsale, Elton John, Alanis Morissette, Jessica Alba and Princess Diana, who all managed to beat the psychological illness.