Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Julia Davies
The week of the 23rd February is the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
With that in mind, here's an overview of what eating disorders are and how to help.
Understanding Eating Disorders: Compassion, Stigma, and Support
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Among the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. While each looks different, they often share deep emotional pain, distress around food or body image, and a need for understanding rather than judgment.
Anorexia nervosa is often marked by severe restriction of food, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia may not recognise the seriousness of their condition, even when their health is at risk.
Bulimia nervosa
involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives to compensate. These behaviours are often hidden and accompanied by shame.
Binge eating disorder
is characterized by recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control, without compensatory behaviors. It is frequently misunderstood as a lack of willpower, which can deepen stigma.
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers people with eating disorders face. Misconceptions like “you don’t look sick,” “just eat,” or “this is a choice” can prevent individuals from seeking help. Many people fear being judged, dismissed, or blamed, which can increase isolation and delay recovery. Weight stigma is especially harmful, as people in larger bodies are often overlooked or not taken seriously by healthcare providers.
So how can we help? First, listen without judgment. You don’t need to fix the problem—being present and compassionate matters more than saying the perfect thing. Avoid commenting on appearance or food choices. Encourage professional support when appropriate, and remind the person that help is available and recovery is possible. If you’re concerned about someone’s safety, reaching out to a trusted professional or support service is an important step.
Evidence shows just how widespread and serious these conditions are. Research indicates that around 9% of the global population will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, making them far more common than many people realise. Additionally, eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, highlighting the importance of early support and intervention.
By challenging stigma, sharing accurate information, and leading with empathy, we can create safer spaces for people to seek help and heal. Recovery is not linear, but no one should have to walk that path alone.