Weight and eating problems — adults

The following script gives details of organisations providing support for specific weight or eating problems.

If your weight is causing you problems and making you unhappy, you can talk to your doctor or practice nurse at your GP’s surgery about the best way to tackle these issues and about anything else that is worrying you.

Information on healthy eating is available from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. You can also check out their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

You can also get useful information from the British Nutrition Foundation. Their website at www.nutrition.org.uk is aimed for people of all ages.

The Eating Disorders Association provides advice and support for anyone with an eating disorder, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Call the Eating Disorders Association helpline on 0845 634 1414 (Mondays to Fridays 8.30am-8.30pm). Their website address is www.edauk.com.

The Obesity Awareness and Solutions Trust, TOAST, is a volunteer-run group that campaigns for the rights of the obese, as well as encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity. To find out more, send a stamped self-addressed A5 envelope to TOAST, PO Box 6430, Harlow CM18 7TT, or visit their website at www.toast-uk.org.uk.

Overeaters Anonymous offers support and advice to people with all kinds of eating problems. Write to them at PO Box 19, Stretford, Manchester M32 9EB, or call their 24-hour answerphone on 07000 784 985 for a list of local support groups. Their meetings list is also available on their UK website at www.overeaters.org.uk/. There is additional information on their international website at www.overeatersanonymous.org.

First Steps to Freedom runs a helpline for those experiencing anxiety problems, including anorexia and bulimia. The services they offer include counselling, advice, free information pack as well as information leaflets and booklists. Contact the helpline on 01926 851 608 (every day 10am-10pm). They also have a website at www.first-steps.org.

The Channel 4 Health website has a food magazine at www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/food/index.html with lots of information about body image and weight problems. You can also ask confidential questions online in the 'Just Ask' section at www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/justask.html.

This message has been prepared and is updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.