What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are characterised by negative beliefs and attitudes relating to food, body shape and weight, which lead to disrupted eating behaviours, such as restrictive eating, binge eating, excessive exercise or vomiting (BEAT, n.d.). They affect people of all different ages, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Eating disorders are amongst the most severe physical and mental health conditions experienced by children and young people, causing significant impairment to physical and psychological functioning.