Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions that involve an unhealthy relationship with food, body image, and weight. They are not about vanity or choice – they are often linked to deep emotional distress, low self-esteem, and a need for control or coping.

Although eating disorders often begin during adolescence, they can affect people of any age, gender, or background. Early recognition and support can make a significant difference in recovery.

What Is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental health condition characterised by distorted thoughts and behaviours related to food, eating, weight, or body shape. These behaviours can become compulsive, dangerous, and difficult to stop without help.

Eating disorders can have serious physical consequences – including organ damage, bone weakness, infertility, and in severe cases, death. However, they are treatable, and recovery is possible.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

A condition where people restrict their food intake, often due to an intense fear of gaining weight or a distorted body image.

Signs may include:

• Dramatic weight loss
• Skipping meals or eating very little
• Preoccupation with calories, weight, or body size
• Excessive exercise
• Mood changes or withdrawal
• Denial of hunger

💡 People with anorexia may still feel “not thin enough” even when underweight.

Bulimia Nervosa

A cycle of binge eating (eating large amounts in a short time) followed by purging (vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives) to try to “undo” the binge.

Signs may include:

• Eating in secret or hoarding food
• Visiting the bathroom immediately after meals
• Swollen cheeks, damaged teeth, or sore throat
• Weight that fluctuates
• Feelings of shame, guilt, or secrecy

💡 People with bulimia may be of average weight, making it harder to spot.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Repeated episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without purging afterwards.

Signs may include:

• Eating rapidly or when not hungry
• Feeling out of control around food
• Eating in secret or feeling embarrassed
• Feeling low, disgusted, or guilty afterwards
• Weight gain or physical discomfort

💡 BED is the most common eating disorder, and often goes unnoticed.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Not all symptoms fit neatly into one category. OSFED includes conditions like:

• Atypical anorexia: all the signs of anorexia without being underweight
• Purging disorder: purging without bingeing
• Night eating syndrome or orthorexia: obsession with “clean” or “healthy” eating

What Causes Eating Disorders?

There’s no single cause – eating disorders usually develop from a mix of factors, such as:

• Low self-esteem or body image issues
• Perfectionism or a need for control
• Trauma or bullying
• Family dynamics or genetics
• Social pressure and media influence

Eating Disorders in the Workplace

While people may hide their struggles well, you might notice:

• Withdrawal from social events involving food
• Frequent absences or low energy
• Perfectionism or obsessive work habits
• Wearing baggy clothes or avoiding mirrors
• Anxiety around break times or meals

A supportive workplace can make a big difference in someone’s journey to recovery.

How to Support Someone with an Eating Disorder

• Be gentle and non-judgemental: Avoid commenting on appearance, weight, or food choices.
• Choose a calm, private moment to express concern: Try: *“I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately – I care and want to support you.”*
• Don’t try to control their eating: This can increase anxiety or feelings of shame.
• Encourage professional help: Eating disorders need specialised support – a GP is a good starting point.
• Be patient: Recovery can take time, and relapses are common. Keep the door open for future conversations.

💡 Remember: your role is not to diagnose or fix, but to offer care and signposting.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment often involves a team approach, which may include:

• GP and medical monitoring
• Psychological therapy (e.g. CBT-E, family-based therapy)
• Dietitian support 
• Support groups or peer support

Recovery isn’t always linear – but with the right support, people can rebuild a healthy relationship with food, body, and self.

🚫 Things to Avoid Saying

• “You don’t look like you have an eating disorder.”
• “Why don’t you just eat normally?”
• “I wish I had your willpower.”
• “You look great – have you lost weight?”
• “Everyone overeats sometimes – that’s normal.”

💡 These comments, even well-meaning, can reinforce shame or harmful behaviours.

Eating disorders are serious, but they are not a choice – and they are not a life sentence. With compassion, understanding, and professional help, recovery is possible. Your awareness can be a lifeline to someone who feels isolated, ashamed, or afraid to speak out.

You don’t have to be an expert – you just have to be someone who cares.