It is estimated that more than a million people in this country may suffer from some sort of eating disorder.

The term covers a number of psychological problems associated with food, not just anorexia, or compulsive weight loss.

This morning on Breakfast, we looked at eating disorders and asked whether there is too much pressure on us to be unnaturally thin.

We talked to Susan Ringwood, of the Eating Disorders Association.

And, we would like to hear from you - especially if you or someone close to you has had personal experiences of eating disorders.

Click here to e-mail us.

What is an eating disorder?

Many people have heard of anorexia nervosa - compulsive weight loss - but may not realise that there are many other forms of psychological problems associated with food.

Some people have a compulsion to over-eat, which they may try to cover up by purging - either making themselves sick or using laxatives - or by exercising obsessively.

The Eating Disorders Association estimates that around 1.1m people in Britain are affected by an eating disorder of some form. But less than 10 per cent are receiving the right treatment for the condition, it says.

A lack of specialist treatment means that many sufferers may find themselves on general psychiatric wards, returning several times before they get effective care.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, including men. But, according to the EDA, young women are the most vulnerable, especially between the ages of 14 and 25.

Inner turmoil

Conditions such as anorexia are an outward sign of inner emotional distress, it says, and are often looked on by sufferers as a way of "coping", rather than a problem in themselves.

They may be triggered by traumatic events such as bereavement, being bullied or abused, family upheaval such as divorce or concerns over sexuality.

Genetics may also play a part: if a key person in your family - perhaps a mother - has problems with food, then you are more likely to follow suit.

The first step towards treating eating disorders is to get the patient to recognise that they have a problem - many are unwilling to do so.

People with eating disorders often have "mixed feelings" about giving up something which has become a way of coping with emotional problems, says the EDA.

Specialist therapy can cost the NHS around �25,000 per patient.

The Eating Disorders Association have a telephone helpline. 0845 634 1414 Weekdays, 8.30am-8.30pm.

They also run a Youthline for youngsters up to 18 years old, from 4pm to 6.30pm: 0845 634 7650

Recorded Information Service 0906 302 0012 (calls to this cost 50p per minute)

Tell us your experiences

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