Eating disorders can manifest themselves in many ways: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder – and shades in between. Anorexia is a frightening illness and has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Why does this issue mainly affect girls? Are boys who work out at the gym also affected? How can parents spot the signs and find ways to get help for their teen?

We’ve pulled together some resources that will help you better understand this debilitating illness.

A great place to start is to listen to our radio episode of Raising Teens. We had a fascinating discussion that looked at the realities of dealing with this mental illness and how it affects teenagers and their families.

🎧 Listen to Raising Teens: Eating disorders

🎧 Listen to Lola’s extended interview with a teen who’s experienced an eating disorder

Beat, the eating disorders charity, has created this brilliant site with loads of useful information and what you can do to help raise awareness.

Follow Beat on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Beat Helpline 0808 801 0677
Under-18s Youthline 0808 801 0711
Beat also offers Echo peer coaching 

The Hub of Hope, a national mental health database of organisations and charities across the country who offer local advice and support. Includes a Talk Now button connecting users directly to the Samaritans 

NHS advice and information about eating disorders