Eating Disorders

Anyone can develop an eating disorder, regardless of age, sex or cultural background. The people most likely to be affected tend to be young women, particularly between the ages of 15 – 25. Eating disorders can make individuals very physically ill as well as affecting thoughts and feelings about the self.

The dietetic mental health team are skilled in eating disorder management and are based at St James Hospital.  Contact them on 023 9289 4414.

Referrals can be taken from GP’s or mental health teams – the dietetic team will work with an individual with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

Outpatient clinics are offered at the following sites: -

St Mary’s Hospital,

Acorn Lodge, Cosham,

Park Way Centre, Havant,

Petersfield Hospital,

Cavendish House, Southsea,

Osborn Centre, Fareham,

Hewat House, Gosport.

If you or a member of your family/friend are concerned about eating disorders we would recommend you discuss your concerns with your GP and visit the following website for more detailed information on eating disorders.

www.b-eat.co.uk

The following questionnaire based on five questions is also a useful screening instrument for detecting eating disorders. It does not diagnose an eating disorder but is designed to raise suspicion of a likely cause. One point is scored for every ‘yes’ and a score of 2 or more indicates a likely case of an eating disorder.

SCOFF questionnaire

Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?

Have you recently lost control over how much you eat?

Have you recently lost more than one stone in a 3-month period?

Do you believe yourself to be fat when others say you are too thin?

Would you say that food dominates your life?

If you score 2 then it is advisable for you to speak with a medical practitioner about this.  If an individual is concerned about talking to a doctor, then contact the eating disorders association on the web page above.