Suffolk charity says the cost of living crisis is making people's eating disorders worse
They said there are a lot of feelings around guilt and shame.
The founder of a charity in Suffolk says the cost of living crisis is making eating disorders worse.
It's as ONS figures show between February and May this year, 5% of adults said they ran out of food and were unable to afford more.
Debbie Watson is from Wednesday's Child in Woodbridge: "Several people have mentioned issues around shame and not being worthy of eating.
"It seems to be feeding into people's pre-existing thoughts about eating disorders that they may have.
"Perhaps they've got children, and they might say the cost of living crisis is a legitimate reason to eat less, because they can't afford to buy and eat more."
She told us it's a real mix of people affected: "There are people from across the board - those who've been in comfortable lifestyles, to people who've always been in poverty, who may have a scarcity mindset."
She told us the impact an eating disorder can have on a person's life: "You are losing control of your freedom, your well-being, your health, you friendships, your family relationships.
"You lose a great deal succumbing to an eating disorder.
"The sooner somebody can refer for help, the better."
An increased amount of stealing
Debbie went on to say that more people have begun taking desperate measures, such as stealing food: "They've become drawn into that process... it's incredibly sad, and carries another level of shame and stigma...
"When somebody is in mental and physical starvation... they may go around a supermarket and be so confused but so desperate for food that they steal."
Getting Help
If you, or someone you know, is having a problem with an eating disorder, there’s help available from BEAT Eating Disorders or you can call them on these numbers:
England - 0808 801 0677
Scotland - 0808 801 0432
Wales - 0808 801 0433
Northern Ireland - 0808 801 0434