The Practical Handbook of Eating Difficulties: A comprehensive guide from personal and professional perspectives [Paperback]

Over the last 30 years, the prevalence of eating disorders has increased to become a widespread problem across the UK and worldwide. This book offers a comprehensive guide written by people with eating disorders, their families and leading researchers, clinicians and therapists, all aiming to improve understanding of practical ways of helping people with eating disorders to live and thrive in their communities. The handbook covers the important topics of understanding eating difficulties in our society’s context, including the role of social media and the fashion industry, and how health care professionals and voluntary organisations currently support those with an eating disorder. It explores the value of exercise, nutrition, and sleep, and considers support from parents and schools for children, as well as making reasonable accommodations for young people and adults in higher education and the workplace. Particular therapies for stabilisation and recovery are detailed, and a final section sets out examples of creative and arts-based approaches.Hannah Lewisis a PhD researcher at Queen Mary, University of London where she studies culturally inclusive prevention strategies for eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder—both of which she has lived experience of. Prior to this, Hannah worked in a senior role for a national mental health charity across their research, policy, and practice areas. Here, Hannah championed co-production at a national level, as well as influenced the mental health transformation in schools’ agenda, and with national public health agencies to acknowledge the harm of traditional ‘obesity’ messaging.Mark Hopfenbeckis an anthropologist, assistant professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University (LSBU), and Individual Partner at the Collaborating Centre for Values-based Practice in Health and Social Care, St Catherine’s Colll3�