Audio: Bulimia Sufferer Speaks Out for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

This week (February 22-28) is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which is aimed at tackling the stigma surrounding illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia.

Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, from medical complications associated with the illness as well as suicide. Research has found that 20% of anorexia sufferers will die prematurely from their illness. Bulimia is also associated with severe medical complications, and binge eating disorder sufferers often experience the medical complications associated with obesity. In every case, eating disorders severely affect the quality of life of the sufferer and those that care for them.

However it is possible to recover from an eating disorder, research suggests that around 46% of anorexia patients fully recover, and 33% see continuous improvements.

In a special report, a bulimia sufferer recounts their story.

Helplines:

Beat
The leading UK charity for people with eating disorders and their families – info, helplines, local support groups
www.b-eat.co.uk

Men get EDs too
Info, helplines and support groups for male sufferers and their families
www.mengetedstoo.co.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care
National charity offering helplines, 1:2:1 befriending support, and nutrition guidance
www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk

Overeaters Anonymous
National support group meetings based on the AA 12 step recovery approach
www.oagb.org.uk