Young people suffering from eating disorders need more support and information, according to local charities.

With funding from Comic Relief, health charity DIPEx and The University of Oxford are researching the experiences of young men and women with eating disorders in order to support others in the same situation. “Over 1,500 teenagers in the UK have been hospitalised as a result of disorders such as anorexia and bulimia in the last 3 years. Yet very little is understood about what it is like to live with and recover from an eating disorder,” says Ulla Raisanen, a senior researcher leading the project. Once the project is completed, young people aged 14-25 will share their experiences of eating disorders on the award-winning website www.youthhealthtalk.org. The website will offer support to others in a similar situation and help train health professionals. Ulla has spoken to a number of young people already about their experiences who have particularly highlighted the need for more support for young men. She said: “A lot of the young men I have interviewed feel very frustrated about the lack of information and understanding, even among health professionals about men and eating disorders. Many feel that the fear of being judged or belittled prevents them from seeking help.”

Recent figures released by the Royal College of General Practitioners show a 66% rise in the number of men being treated for eating disorders. The project is supported by key people and organisations in the field of eating disorders. Witney-based Nick Watts, a Trustee of the charity Men Get Eating Disorders Too, said: “It is essential that the right resources are made available. This research will not only help achieve better practice, but provide a vital online resource for young people worried about these serious conditions.”

Youthhealthtalk is looking for more volunteers, would you like to share your story on video or anonymously? Please contact Ulla by email ulla.raisanen@phc.ox.ac.uk or by calling her on 01865 289328.