New guidelines have been introduced to raise awareness of the dangers of over-exercise with those affected by eating disorders.

The guidelines are aimed at the fitness industry and outline what to look out for and what to say to someone. It also has guidance for gym instructors and suggestions on how they can approach someone who they have concerns about.

The Somerset charity Anorexia and Bulimia Care have developed the guidelines would encourage better awareness and understanding of over-exercise in the fitness industry.  Growing concern that fitness can become addictive to those with eating disorders and there are incredibly little interventions in place to support men and women who exercise excessively.

Ian Wakefield, business development manager for the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management, told the BBC that when he joined the organisation he was frequently asked for advice on this issue but had no idea what to say. "I don't think it's responsible to promote dropping dress sizes, losing weight, before and after photographs - there are more responsible ways to advertise and the emphasis shouldn't just be on losing weight and a size zero dress size," he said.

Whilst Ian points out concern for those at risk of 'dropping dress sizes,' it is suspected exercise addiction is of higher prevalence among men. This also includes 'Bigorexia' (also known as muscle dysmorphia).

There is no question the gym culture is a danger to those who are affected by eating disorders or those who are vulnerable to using exercise as a way of harming themselves. For this reason MGEDT completely supports the new guidelines and believe that it could help save lives.

For more info please go to the Institute of Sport and Recreation website: http://www.isrm.co.uk/

On November 5, 2009, after weeks of suffering with dizziness, faintness, aching joints, purple hands and lethargy, my son was finally admitted to hospital as an in-patient for his condition.  I waited anxiously for the practitioners to do their stuff – Ollie had to be wired up to a heart monitor. He removed his t-shirt to allow the fitting of sensor pads, and then I saw the true extent of what Ollie had experienced at the hands of the eating disorder.

Ollie’s torso was sunken and sallow; tissue-paper thin skin, webbed with broken veins, covered his bony ribcage. It was the first time in nearly 2 years that I had seen Ollie without a top on – and I wished that I hadn’t.    

The following day, after severe words from the consultant about the terrible damage the eating condition had inflicted on Ollie’s heart, Ollie was admitted to a young person’s psychiatric unit for treatment of his anorexia nervosa.  He remained an in-patient for two months, until he was discharged for his care to be delivered at home by me.

It is not uncommon for young people to be admitted to such facilities for treatment of eating disorders – and whilst I recognise that such psychiatric units do some fantastic work in the treating of many psychiatric illnesses, based on the experiences of my son, I am not totally convinced that they offer effective and appropriate treatment for young people with eating disorders.

The provision of services for our young eating disordered young people is dire.  Here, in the South West there are only 8 units offering services to young people with eating disorders; and not all areas have an active CAMHS.  Considering that the South West peninsula extends over 350 km, with a population of over 5 million, I feel that the region is ridiculously under resourced.  

But, I believe we can change this. Hence my Facebook campaign for a dedicated eating disorder unit for young people in Plymouth, in the South West.  Fortunately, NHS Plymouth has taken the matter of young people with eating disorders very seriously. I have had an interesting and positive meeting with appropriate representatives – and I should be meeting with them again in the not too distant future.

This may seem like a small step – but it is a small, important forward step for who are concerned, in one way or another, with eating disorders – now, past and future.

Join Debbie's Facebook group 'Campaign for dedicated eating disorder unit for young people in Plymouth': http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=243659846169&ref=ts 

Male eating disorders are a hugely underrepresented and unexplored area, despite the fact that thousands of men across the country suffer from various forms of eating distress. For most people, the assumption is that eating disorders only happen to teenage girls, and this is often perpetuated by media stereotypes. Men with eating disorders are seldom acknowledged, and this needs to change so that more help and understanding is available.

I am a photographer working on a series of portrait photographs of men who have, or have previously, suffered from an eating disorder. The focus of this is not primarily on how individuals look, and the aim is to avoid reinforcing assumptions that eating disorders only affect those of a certain age, sexuality, ethnicity or social class. Furthermore, the signs of an eating disorder are often not visible, therefore in acknowledging this the aim is to increase understanding of eating disorders as first and foremost psychological disorders (albeit sometimes with serious physical implications).

The photographs will be used on leaflets and posters for awareness-raising for MGEDT and possibly as a separate photographic exhibition. The photographs will be simple, straightforward portraits. It would also be very helpful if participants could write a few sentences about their experiences to accompany their photographs so that this is in their own words as opposed to my interpretation.

I am keen to hear from men of any age and background who have experienced any kind of eating disorder. I am London based but will travel to anyone around the south, and can make arrangements to travel further afield as necessary.

If interested in being involved or if you have any questions please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

By Ellie Harvey (Photographer)

Here is an example of a portrait from a series of photographs from an exhibition called 'labels' about young girls and mental health. The images for the male eating disorders photogrpahy project are are likely to be similliar.

See more of Ellie's work and past projects on her website: http://ellieharvey.com/home.html

MGEDT is pleased to announce that we have secured our first major grant from the National Lottery's 'Awards for All' programme.  

The £6,092 grant will help further raise awareness of male eating disorders with the development of a poster and information leaflet to be distributed nationally, as well as a range of publicity materials including charity bands, pens and badges. It will also enable us to host our first event planned for early next year.

Sam Thomas, MGEDT Project Leader and Founder, says: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled that we have received this grant from the Lottery. Eating disorders are typically perceived as being an issue that only affects women so a poster campaign and leaflet will go a long way in increasing awareness of this much under-represented issue.

‘Many of the guys we come into contact with often feel as though they are the only ones,’ Sam adds. ‘We hope that this poster campaign and leaflet will help hundreds, if not thousands, of men to recognise their symptoms and consider getting support.'

Nick Watts, MGEDT Trustee, comments: ‘I am very excited and see this as a major step in the development of MGEDT, this brings us one step closer to charitable status which will help us to extend our reach to even more people. I can see this campaign being highly successful in increasing the profile of MGEDT and the awareness of male eating disorders prompting more men to seek the help they need.’

We will soon be recruiting volunteers for an E-Steering Group to support this project by acting as consultants and giving feedback on designs and written content, etc. If you'd be interested in being part of this group please get in contact.