There can be a number of reasons why problems with eating can occur which may include low self-esteem, perfectionism, feeling inadequate, lacking control in life, low mood, anxiety or trauma.

• Pressure from the world e.g. cultural/ societal pressures to ‘look good’ and ‘fit in’ with norms, involvement in a sport/ activity that emphasises body image.
• Difficulties in relationships with others (conflict/ abuse/ bullying), difficulties expressing and managing emotions.

Often it is a combination of these that can lead a person to try and find a way to feel better in difficult times. We don’t know all the answers to what can trigger and keep an eating disorder going but we are finding out more that can help.

Eating problems arise when a person tries to feel better about themselves or a difficult situation or feelings by trying to control their weight or shape through what or how they eat.

There are a number of eating problems which come under the umbrella of eating disorders the ones we hear most often are:

• Anorexia Nervosa where a person will restrict the amount of food they have each day and will usually be underweight as a result of this.
• Bulimia Nervosa where a person will also restrict what they eat in order to change their weight but will then over eat/binge. They will then usually try to get rid of the calories they have eating by making themselves sick. 
• ARFID Avoidance or restriction of food intake that results in either significant impairment in physical health or psychosocial functioning. This includes an apparent lack of interest in eating or food, avoidance based on sensory aspects of food, concern regarding aversive consequences of eating (choking).

While eating problems can be scary and can impact severely on life it is important to know and remember that they can be treated and that young people can and do get better. What’s key is talking about the problems they are dealing with.