New study highlights the challenges of eating out for young people with eating disorders
A new study describes the challenges young people with eating disorders face when eating out. The research team, which includes Bristol BRC researchers, have published their findings in the Journal of Eating Disorders.
Many people with an eating disorder find it difficult to eat in social settings such as cafés, and to eat socially with family and friends. For many individuals with an eating disorder, being able to do this is an important part of recovery.
To find ways of supporting people with eating disorders to return to eating socially in public places, we first need to understand the challenges they face.
Researchers held interviews and focus groups with:
- 15 people, aged 14-25 years, with experience of eating disorders
- 4 parents and carers
- 6 healthcare professionals with experience of treating people with eating disorders
Participants described cafés as places where people with eating disorders face unexpected challenges. They may also experience intense difficult emotions, including feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. The noise and busyness of the physical café environment contribute to these feelings.
Interactions with other people in cafés also pose a challenge, with fears of being judged on their appearance and food choices. Challenges around looking at menus with and without calories, choosing and ordering food, and actually consuming food and drink in public were also highlighted.
Despite common themes, challenges faced are individual and may depend on a person’s eating disorder diagnosis and stage of recovery.
The findings will help the researchers design a virtual reality treatment for people with eating disorders. This will consist of a virtual cafe environment, where people with eating disorders can practice scenarios they find challenging.
Understanding the challenges of eating out could also help healthcare professionals find new ways to help people with eating disorders return to social eating.
Helen Bould, Associate Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Bristol, said:
“Social eating is such an important part of life, and challenges with eating socially are often what prompts people with eating disorders to seek help.
“We hope this paper lays the groundwork for interventions that optimise support for people with eating disorders in this key area.”
