TRIGGER WARNING: Mention of Eating Disorders

 

What is an eating disorder?

The NHS defines an eating disorder as a "mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations". It is common for people to experience disordered eating at some point in their life, and therefore it is very important to spread awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding this topic.

Alongside the mental distress that an eating disorder can cause, there are many physical health risks associated with eating disorders. You need food to survive - your body burns calories to keep your heart pumping, to keep you breathing, to keep you thinking. Having a healthy, fuelled body gives you a healthy mind, and allows you to enjoy your life.

If you think you are struggling with an eating disorder, please seek help from your local GP, have a look at the resources on this page, reach out to your Wellbeing team, or even just talk to your friends and family.

 

Eating disorders and social media:

Social media trends often project a certain 'standard' for how people's bodies should look, and when you are online a lot it can be very difficult to not feel like you should be following these trends. But it is important to remember that what you see online is not real life.

Video editing is very common, and with the rise of AI, it's becoming even more difficult to spot. Please keep that in mind if you find yourself comparing your body to someone else's - they could have very easily edited their video before posting it!

Beauty standards are constantly fluctuating and impossible to keep up with. The most important thing is that you keep yourself happy and healthy. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or body image, please reach out to the Wellbeing team, or have a look at the resources below. Help is available and you are not alone!

 

Reach out for help:

Mind - A mental health charity.

SWEDA - Support for people with eating disorders across the South West.

BEAT - Beat eating disorders.

Samaritans - Mental health support for people in crisis.

 

Further Resources:

Overview - Eating Disorders - NHS

Eating Disorder Health Consequences - NEDA

 

Last Updated: September 2026