Eating disorder charity launches anniversary manifesto

A Norfolk eating disorder charity says people are still being harmed by the stigma associated with their illness.

Beat, which is based in Norwich, is marking its 25th anniversary this year with the publication of a five-point manifesto aimed at stopping preventable deaths.

One in 39 people - or about 1.6 million men and women nationally - are affected by an eating disorder.

The charity says one in five of those will die either from the physical consequences of the illness or suicide.

Beat's 25th anniversary manifesto, launched during Eating Disorder Awareness Week, aims to:

• End the stigma associated with eating disorders. The charity says awareness is still hampered by myths and misunderstanding, or by trivialising or ignoring the problem.

• Encourage more compassionate understanding by challenging the media and sharing the personal experiences of those affected.

• Prevent more people suffering through a programme of education and training to help build a resilience against the social and cultural pressures that could lead to an eating disorder.

• Speed up diagnosis by offering training, resources and consultancy to GPs and health and social care professionals.

• Ensure treatment is timely and effective by working with researchers to understand the illnesses better and build up an evidence base for treatment.

Anyone concerned about an eating disorder can call the helpline on 0300 300 0115 or norfolkhelpmail@b-eat.co.uk.To find out more about Beat, go to www.b-eat.co.uk.