Eating disorder

Eating disorders are mental illnesses in which food, weight and body image dominate a person's thoughts and feelings – they have nothing to do with vanity or a lack of discipline. The three most common forms are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, with recurring episodes of binge eating – the last of these is the most common and is often overlooked.

They usually begin in adolescence or young adulthood, but no one is too old or too young, and boys and men are affected too. In the KiGGS study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's public health agency, around one in five children aged 11 to 17 showed signs of disordered eating in a questionnaire – not yet a diagnosis, but a reason to pay attention. Important: you can't tell by looking at someone whether they have an eating disorder. It can occur at any body weight – including normal weight or overweight.

Warning signs parents and friends can look out for: constant talk about calories and body shape, excuses to skip family meals, secret eating or disappearing after meals, excessive exercise, withdrawal, mood swings and, in girls, missed periods. Strict diets are among the most important triggers – which is why the Beealth calculators don't suggest a weight-loss goal for anyone under 18; the focus is on family routines and growth.

What helps? Acting early. The first step is a conversation without blame (“I'm worried about you”), the second is a visit to the GP or paediatrician. Treatment involves psychotherapy and, if needed, a day clinic or a hospital stay; the earlier treatment starts, the better the chances of recovery. Family members are entitled to support too – self-help groups and counselling services are there for them as well.

Places in Germany that offer anonymous help: the eating disorders helpline of the German Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG, formerly BZgA) on 0221 892031, the “Nummer gegen Kummer” helpline for children and teenagers on 116 111 and the parents' helpline on 0800 111 0 550 – the last two free of charge. If you're in emotional distress, the Telefonseelsorge crisis line is available free of charge around the clock on 0800 111 0 111; in acute physical danger, call the emergency number 112.