Eating disorders don't take a break for Christmas

23 December 2024

The increased emphasis on food and drink during the festive period can place additional strain on people with conditions such as anorexia, bulimia or ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

The NHS in Sussex is offering practical advice to help families and those of any age with an illness to navigate the holidays.

Dr Selma Stafford, NHS Sussex clinical director, GP, and BEAT trustee, said:

Christmas can be a difficult time, with the increased focus on food, eating in larger groups, and then the pressure of New Year weight loss resolutions.

Family reunions can also be a time when people first notice concerning behaviours and/or weight change in others. It can also be anxiety inducing, especially if you feel like you are having to answer unwanted questions about your relationship with food from family or friends.

For many people, food is tangled up with a lot of emotion, but for those with an eating disorder, guilt after eating can be overwhelming. In addition, our social media feeds at Christmas and New Year can be particularly full of content that is focused on people having a good time and eating out. If this content is making you feel worse about yourself for whatever reason, it’s important to take time to switch off from it too.

Don’t put expectations on yourself that Christmas has to be the best time of year. If you find yourself struggling, remember you deserve support and there is help here for you and your family.

There were 1,750 children and young people (aged up to 17 years) being seen by NHS specialists for an eating disorder, in the southeast during August 2024.

Michelle Maguire, Allied Health Professional Lead for Sussex Eating Disorder Service at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It's normal to feel worried about the holiday season.

Everyone's celebrations will be different; everyone will have different challenges and for most people their celebrations won't look like they do on television.

There are strategies we can use that may help us get through the holidays more easily with an eating disorder. Where possible, try to plan and be prepared. Talk to those you are sharing the day with and decide on a menu in advance.

On the day, try shifting the focus away from food and have one room that is free from food. Recruit a 'buddy' who can support you if struggling and plan to take some time out for yourself for a few moments. Most importantly, try to be kind and compassionate to yourself, you are trying your best at a difficult time of year."

Advice from the NHS and BEAT, based on first-hand experience from clinicians, patients and parents, which may ease the pressure this winter for those with an eating disorder:

  • Serve food as a buffet rather than as sit-down meals.
  • Include a person’s ‘safe foods’ in the selection.
  • Minimise the social expectations of people with eating disorders over the festive season.
  • Treat meals on and around Christmas day as routinely as possible.
  • Plan well ahead and think about how food features in your days.
  • Once dinner is over, shift the focus on to other activities like playing games or watching a family film.
  • Make loved ones aware to avoid questions about weight or appetite.
  • Distraction techniques such as getting outside for a walk or a change of scenery can help if people are struggling, as well as helping to reduce stress and improve our sense of wellbeing.

Beat has also published advice on how to spot the signs of an eating disorder on their website.

From the 24 December to 1 January, Beat’s Helpline 0808 801 0677 will be open every day from 4pm-8pm. You can also text Shout to 85258 to speak to a trained volunteer, any time, day or night. It's free, confidential and anonymous. The online support groups and one-to-one webchat can be accessed on beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Parents and carers can also tune in to our special episode of BBC Sussex Raising Teens featuring Dr Stafford, aired earlier this year. We explored how parents and carers can understand what’s happening to their teens eating and find the right support.

Helplines open 365 days

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​BEAT: 0300 123 3355 or webchat
  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • Sussex Mental Healthline: 111, option 2
  • Shout: text 85258