It is difficult to say how many people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder. Many go undiagnosed but it is believed that one in every hundred young women are affected by Bulimia and a smaller, but still significant, number by anorexia. The Royal College of Psychiatry estimated in 1992 that at any one time 60,000 individuals were receiving treatment for an Anorexia or bulimia. Bulimia It is not only young women affected by such disorders. Women of all ages are affected, as are men.
Women also experience the stopping of periods, which usually returns once the starving has halted.
Psychologically there is depression, mood swings, intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body weight and shape. Behaviourally those affected will wear baggy clothes, exercise excessively, lie about eating meals and will deny any problems associated. Periods don't stop, but can be irregular. Due to the vomiting, those with Bulimia often have poor teeth and will avoid going to the dentist. Psychologically those affected feel depressed, and exhibit mood swings and highly emotional behaviour.