Eating Disorders

What are the different types of eating disorders?

Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening disorder that can worsen if left untreated. It results in extremely low body weight, a distorted body image, the urgency to lose weight, and an intense fear of gaining weight. It's crucial to intervene early as a person who suffers from anorexia often resorts to extreme methods of losing weight or preventing any weight gain, such as vomiting after eating, extreme dieting, excessive exercising and using laxatives.

Bulimia

Bulimia is a severe and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It is characterised by a pattern of binge-eating, where the individual consumes large amounts of 'forbidden food', followed by purging (vomiting food). The bingeing period is marked by a profound loss of self-control, helplessness and hopelessness, where copious amounts of food are eaten. Purging is not only limited to vomiting but can also be done through the use of laxatives or excessive exercising.

Binge Eating and Compulsive Overeating

Binge eating disorder is one of the most common eating difficulties and often goes unnoticed because many people hide their symptoms or feel ashamed. It is characterised by repeated episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period of time while feeling unable to stop. These episodes are usually followed by guilt, shame, disgust or worry about weight gain.

Binge eating and emotional eating can present in many ways, including:

• Eating rapidly and feeling out of control
• Eating when not physically hungry
• Eating to soothe uncomfortable emotions such as stress, sadness, anxiety or loneliness
• Eating in secret or hiding food
• Feeling numb, detached or on autopilot while eating
• Feeling uncomfortably full after eating
• Strong cravings for specific comfort foods
• Planning binges in advance or obsessing about when the next binge will occur
• Repeated attempts to restrict food after a binge, which often leads to another episode

These patterns often develop in response to emotional triggers or unresolved issues such as stress, low self-worth, trauma, overwhelm or chronic dieting. Many individuals use food for comfort, distraction or emotional relief, which strengthens the binge and restrict cycle and increases distress over time.

Eating Freely Program

The Eating Freely Program is a 3 to 6 month online or in-person course designed for those struggling with binge eating, emotional eating and related disordered eating patterns. It focuses on helping you break free from food obsessions and enjoy a healthier, higher quality of life. The program includes personalised one-on-one counselling and online therapy sessions.

Please note that this program is not designed to treat anorexia or bulimia.

How can we help?

If you suspect that you are struggling with an eating disorder, you do not have to face it on your own. Reaching out for professional support can help you understand what is driving the disorder and prevent it from becoming more overwhelming. Taking this step is an important part of recovery, and we are here to guide you with compassion and care.