When food and body thoughts take over
Worrying about food or your body is more common than most people realise.
But when those thoughts start to control how you feel, eat, or live - it’s a sign you deserve support.
Disordered eating can affect anyone - regardless of age, size, or background.
It’s not always about food itself, but about coping with stress, trauma, or feeling out of control.
It might look like:
Restricting or skipping meals
Overeating, bingeing, or purging
Exercising to “make up” for eating
Feeling anxious or guilty around food
Constantly thinking about weight, shape, or body image
These patterns can harm both physical and mental health, but recovery is possible.
Getting help early makes a real difference - and there are trained professionals who understand and can support you safely.
You don’t have to have a “diagnosis” to reach out.
You can start small - by talking to your GP, calling a helpline, or reading information from trusted sources.
Recovery often begins with learning to listen to your body again and finding safe spaces to talk openly about what’s going on.
If you’re supporting someone, focus on kindness, patience, and practical help - not advice about weight or food.
You might notice:
Food and body thoughts taking up more and more of your day
Avoiding social situations involving food
Comparing your body constantly to others
Feeling anxious if you can’t control what or when you eat
Hiding your eating habits or feeling ashamed after eating
If any of this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Many people recover fully with the right support.
You deserve a peaceful relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
Recovery doesn’t mean perfection - it means freedom. The first step might be small, but it’s a step toward feeling whole again.
