Eating problems occur when you have a difficult relationship with food. This may be due to an event going on in your life such as exam stress that either puts you off your food or makes you eat more than usual. It is common for people to change their eating habits every now and again, e.g a diet before a holiday. If this starts to take over what you do everyday then this may become a problem.
It is also important, if you are trying to lose weight to increase your exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet. You can get a nutritional plan from your school nurse or GP and if you go to the gym lots of fitness instructors can help you set up a healthy and balanced weight loss plan.
The signs you have an unhealthy relationship with food could include:
- Strictly controlling the amount you eat
- Not being able to control what you eat
- Eating alone/in secret
- Eating more or less when feeling emotional/stressed
- Feeling anxious about eating
- Strict diets
- Replacing meals with non food supplements e.g juices, pills, milkshakes
- Not wanting to eat around other people
- Always thinking about food
- Weighing yourself regularly
- Comparing your body size to others.
Tips
Try to keep a food diary to make sure you are eating at least three healthy meals a day, this could be taken to the GP or specialist you choose to see.
It is important that you get support if you think you have an eating problem as this could lead to serious health risks.
Young Minds Crisis Messenger offers free 24/7 support if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. Text YM to 85258