Eating issues

At CAMHS, we offer support and treatment to children and young people with specific eating disorders. If you have concerns about any eating issues regarding yourself, your child or young person, we would always advise speaking to your family doctor (GP). Your GP will ask you about your eating patterns, your history of weight change and will also ask to check your physical health. They may suggest you have a referral to CAMHS.
Early support and treatment are recommended for people with eating disorders. This is why you need to speak to your GP if you, or people around you, have concerns about your eating.

The following sections can give you some advice on eating problems and may help if you choose to seek advice from your GP.

Many people experience eating problems at different times in their life. These problems often pass over time, but some people may develop an eating disorder.

If you think that you are developing an eating disorder, or you have concerns about your child or young person you care for, we would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your GP.

A lot of young people worry about their weight, shape or the food they eat. Sometimes, these difficulties can take over and develop into a serious eating disorder. Someone with an eating disorder might feel they need to be on a strict diet, exercise a lot, or find other ways to lose weight. This can help them cope with how they are feeling, but they might not know how to stop. Signs of an eating problem may also include regularly overeating and experiencing loss of control over what, when or how much to eat.

Information and advice on specific eating disorders

To help you understand the signs and symptoms of different eating problems, we have pages on specific eating disorders with information, support and advice to help you understand more.

If you have concerns about an eating disorder affecting yourself, your child or young person, we would always advise speaking to your family doctor (GP). In the following situations, we would recommend an urgent discussion with your GP:

if you have rapidly lost weight for longer than a few weeks.
if you have lost weight over three months or more.
if you think your eating is out of control.

Eating Disorders helpline
NHS advice for parents
Beat Eating Disorders
“Help your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder” by James Lock and Daniel Le Grange. This book can offer guidance through the difficult process of change.