Many young people experience worries about food, eating, weight, shape, or body image. If these thoughts or feelings are affecting your daily life, it is important to know that support is available and that recovery is possible.

Eating difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or appearance. Sometimes these challenges begin with concerns about body image, dieting, food restrictions, overeating, or anxiety around eating. Seeking support early can make a real difference.

Understanding Disordered Eating

Disordered eating is a term used to describe a range of unhealthy eating behaviours that may or may not be part of a diagnosed eating disorder. These behaviours can include:

  • Skipping meals
  • Restricting food intake
  • Extreme dieting
  • Binge eating
  • Overeating or undereating
  • Obsessive or excessive exercise

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) are serious mental health conditions that require professional support.

Body Image Matters

Body image is the way we think and feel about our bodies and how they look and function. Negative body image can affect confidence, wellbeing, relationships, and eating behaviours. Remember that you cannot always tell if someone is struggling just by looking at them.

Building a positive relationship with your body means learning to appreciate what your body can do, rather than focusing only on appearance.

Helpful Information and Resources

We recommend Be Body Positive, a free online resource created by clinical experts, young people, and carers. The website provides self-guided information and support on:

  • Body image and healthy eating
  • Building a balanced relationship with food
  • Understanding disordered eating
  • Recognising warning signs
  • Managing anxiety around food
  • Understanding ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
  • Challenging diet culture and unhealthy social media influences

The resources are designed specifically for young people and aim to help users reflect on their eating behaviours and develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. Visit: bebodypositive.org.uk/

When to Seek Help

Please speak to a trusted adult if you are:

  • Frequently worried about food, eating, weight, or body shape
  • Avoiding meals or food groups
  • Feeling anxious or distressed around food
  • Exercising excessively to change your body
  • Experiencing episodes of binge eating
  • Noticing that thoughts about food or your body are affecting your mood, school life, friendships, or health

Early support can help prevent difficulties from becoming more serious.

Need Support in School?

If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, you can speak to:

  • Your Form Tutor
  • Head of Year
  • Pastoral Counsellors
  • School Nurse
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead

You do not have to manage these feelings on your own. We are here to listen and help you access the right support.

Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are struggling with food, eating, or body image concerns, support is available and recovery is possible