Researchers to undertake eating disorders study

The Department of Health has commissioned a team of researchers to undertake a major survey to find out the experiences of people with eating disorders.

University of Ulster lecturers, Mary McColgan and Dr Anne Campbell, and their team of researchers based at the University’s Magee campus in Londonderry, will undertake the survey to determine what kind of services respondents feel are needed.

At present, around 20,000 people in Northern Ireland suffer from diet-related disorders, from anorexia and bulimia through to obesity.

Mary McColgan said: “We very much want to talk to people who need help and support, so we can ensure that their needs are reflected in any new healthcare services set up as a result of our report.

"That’s why we hope people who either have eating disorders themselves, or who know friends, relatives or work colleagues who have diet-related health issues, will get in touch with our researchers through our special phone lines."

A major part of the study is a questionnaire which will ask 500 Northern Ireland teenagers aged 15-plus, chosen from eight schools across the Province, about their attitudes to diet and health problems, and seek their views on how services for sufferers and their carers could be improved. At present, there are no specialist services in Northern Ireland for children or adolescents with eating disorders.

Anyone wanting to take part in the survey should contact the research team on any of the following numbers: 07789 450874 10am-8pm, (7 day availability); 07989 968819 10am-8pm (7 day availability); and 02871 375216 10am-5pm (Monday-Friday).

(MB)