EATING disorders awareness week, which runs from February 20 to 24, will be marked in the Island.
On Wednesday, February 22, the Mental Health Service and the Manx Eating Disorders Support Group are holding a free event at the iMuseum in Kingswood Grove, Douglas, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
There will be a variety of information available to view and take away on topics such as understanding eating disorders and tips for parents, families, siblings and friends.
There will also be information for any professional working with a person who has an eating disorder.
The Manx Eating Support Group - which is part of the Beat British Isles-wide self help group network - will discuss its service and the work of Beat.
Members of the Community Mental Health Team will provide a brief presentation on their role and the team's role in supporting individuals with eating disorders and their families.
Information from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) estimates that of those with eating disorders 10 per cent have anorexia, 40 per cent have bulimia and 50 per cent have an eating disorder not otherwise specified - which includes binge eating disorder.
A statement from the Department of Social Care said that typically, when discussing eating disorders, people tend to think of anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
It said: "However, there is growing awareness of other eating disorders such as binge eating and compulsive overeating.
"Whatever form the eating disorder takes it can have a signficant impact on the individual, their family and their friends.
"If you are affected by an eating disorder, or someone you care about has an eating disorder, it can be hard to believe that the eating disorder can be beaten. However the road to recovery can be supported and assisted by the following:
"Having the information you need
"Knowing where you can get help
"Knowing about the treatments available and how they can be accessed
"Knowing what you can do to help someone you care for".
The Manx Eating Disorders Support Group can be contacted on 330922 or email manxeds@hotmail.co.uk
Beat can be contacted on 0845 634 7650 (help for young people) and 0845 634 1414 (help for adults).
The organisation's website is www.b-eat.co.uk
