Live Well, Be Well: Ariana Rodriguez

“If you are unsure whether you have an eating disorder or not, ultimately, it comes down to whether you are feeling distress around eating.”

Eating disorders are a complicated and serious mental illness, that are characterised by having a difficult relationship with food. Eating disorders can manifest in many different ways which can include; eating too little or too much, or becoming fixated with your weight or shape. You may use food as a coping mechanism or a way to feel in control. It is estimated that around 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder.

Eating disorders are often associated with feelings of shame, anxiety, low self worth and low self compassion. Like all mental health illnesses, there are many stigmas and preconceptions associated with eating disorders. It is commonly misperceived that eating disorders only affect a certain type of person or that those with an eating disorder must look a certain way. However, we know that anyone can develop an eating disorder, no matter what their age, gender, race or cultural background is. In fact 25% of eating disorder sufferers are male, and most people with an eating disorder stay within a normal weight range or are overweight.

Registered dietitian Ariana Rodriguez talks to us about the different types of eating disorders and provides us with practical coping mechanisms which can be utilised to make positive steps towards eating disorder recovery.