Eating Disorders Awareness Week

WARRINGTON Borough Council is supporting Eating Disorders Awareness Week in order to highlight the support available to the local people affected.
The week runs until March 2, and will raise awareness and understanding of eating disorders, challenging stereotypes and stigma.
The council’s executive board member for health and wellbeing and adult services, Cllr Pat Wright, said: “The Public Health Team in Warrington Borough Council is keen to ensure that people know what health information and support is available locally and how to find it.
“We’ve created a Warrington mental health awareness website called HappyOkSad.org.uk and it includes links to organisations which can provide information or offer support or treatment for a wide range of mental health problems, including eating disorders.
“Eating disorders aren’t just faddy eating, or diets gone wrong, they’re serious mental health problems. Although eating disorders appear to be about food and weight, the reasons they occur are varied and complex.”
Evidence suggests that 1.6 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. Many eating disorders develop during adolescence, but it’s not unusual for people to develop eating disorders earlier or later in life. Eating disorders are often seen as a condition that affects girls and young women, but some 10-25% of people who develop eating disorders are boys and men.
Cllr Wright added: “If you think that you or someone you know might have an eating disorder then it’s important to get help and support. Depression often accompanies eating disorders, so it’s important to see your GP, not only for your physical health, but to make sure you get the support and treatment you need for your emotional wellbeing too.
“Your GP will be able to explain to you the different support and treatment options available. For instance, one option might be the specialist Eating Disorder Service based in Warrington. This service only accepts referrals from health professionals, but staff are happy to talk through the service they offer and whether it might be right for you. You can contact Warrington and Halton Eating Disorder Service on 01925 248475.”