The invisible epidemic of eating disorders in Britain

Content warning: this episode contains discussion of eating disorders and mentions of suicidal thoughts.

At times during the pandemic, it's felt like diet and exercise - or at least worrying about them - has become a national obsession. But what if your weight was already an obsession? Today we speak to people struggling with eating disorders, which have been on the rise in the past year, and examine the ways these conditions are still misunderstood.

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Guests: 

- Lara, recovering from an eating disorder.

- Dave Chawner, standup comedian, presenter and author of Weight Expectations.

- Dr Agnes Ayton, Chair of the Faculty of Eating Disorders at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Resources if you or a loved one are struggling:

• Samaritans: call 116 123 or visit: samaritans.org
• Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity: beateatingdisorders.org.uk 
• You can also try Hub of Hope, the UK’s leading mental health support database, which helps you connect with the support services in your area: hubofhope.co.uk.

Clips used: Bloomberg, ITV.

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