UCL Occupational Health Service: eating disorders week
8 February 2013
Causes
Eating disorders are often blamed on the social pressure to be thin, as young people in particular feel they should look a certain way. However, the causes are usually more complex; Biological and other influencing factors, combined with an experience can provoke the disorder.
Types of eating disorders
The most common types of disorders are:-
- when someone tries to keep their weight as low as possible, for example by starving themselves or exercising excessively
- when someone tries to control their weight by binge eating and then deliberately vomiting or using laxatives
- when someone feels compelled to overeat
Where to get help
If you or you know somebody close to you who is suffering from an eating disorder go to
Your Employee Assistance Programme
UCL staff requiring support on any emotional or practical issue can contact your (Username: UCL Password: employee) or email assistance@workplaceoptions.com / Freephone 0800 243 458. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 year
Further information
Elaine Fletcher, Occupational Health Service, Human Resources Division