Author(s): Christine Craggs-Hinton

Health

Body image and eating disorders affect more than one million people in the UK, according to the Eating Disorders Association. Most sufferers are women, but one in ten are men. While these disorders are more common in those aged 15-25, they can and do start at any age. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and compulsive over-eating. Anorexia, while involves depriving the body of food, is more common in young people. Bulimia, characterised by a cycle of starving and bingeing is more common in adults. The increase in eating disorders has been blamed on media emphasis on superthin models and ideal bodies, which can affect how people perceive themselves, but the causes of eating disorders are often more complex and are linked to the general feelings of self-worth and issues of control. This book talks about how to have a healthy relationship with food and with yourself, and looks at eating disorders within the context of general body image and self-perception.