Comedian Dave Chawner's book about anorexia is published today by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Weight Expectations: One Man's Recovery from Anorexia is described as "Part memoir, part self-help guide, this witty book will take you through the day-to-day struggles of living with an eating disorder. Stand-up comedian Dave Chawner tells the story of how he became anorexic, what his life with mental illness was like, and how he started his journey to recovery.

Giving an anorexic perspective with a comic delivery, this book sets out practical tips, personal anecdotes and uplifting playlists to give hope to anyone in a similar situation, and provides insight into what life with mental illness is like."

Chawner has previously spoken about his long-running battle with anorexia, wanting to overcome the taboos of men talking about eating disorders

In a BBC interview in 2014 Chawner, who also discusssed the subject in his 2013 Edinburgh show, explains that he finally looked for help three months ago. He talks honestly about the feeling of control he had over his body when he refused to eat: “It was almost like an ascetic feeling,” he says. But it was a confusing period. He would also binge when not fasting and just wanted to have a normal attitude to food: “I was really jealous of people that could eat….I wanted to eat so badly.”

Sometimes he would go without food completely for 24 hours but usually he would restrict himself to something like two apples and a banana a day. In his mind he started to associate losing weight with being successful. “I remember just thinking if I can lose x amount of pounds I can do anything...get into university…get a job.”

Buy Weight Expectations: One Man's Recovery from Anorexia here.