How To Support Those Struggling With Eating Disorders
Last Updated:
February 24th, 2025
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that contribute to 10,200 deaths each year are the direct result of an eating disorder – that’s one death every 52 minutes. With Eating Disorder Awareness Week upon us, it is crucial to understand how we can support those who are struggling.
A compassionate approach
One of the most effective ways to support someone with an eating disorder is to educate yourself about these conditions. Eating disorders are not simply about food or body image; they are often deeply rooted in emotional distress, trauma, or a need for control. It’s also important to challenge the stereotype that only young women are affected. In reality, people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can develop eating disorders, with up to 5% of the population experiencing an eating disorder at some point.
Awareness campaigns like Eating Disorder Awareness Week aim to dispel myths and provide accurate information. For instance, many people assume that someone must be visibly underweight to have an eating disorder, but this is not the case. Individuals with binge eating disorder or atypical anorexia may appear to have a “normal” weight yet still suffer severely. Understanding that eating disorders are not a choice but rather serious mental illnesses can help reduce stigma and foster a more compassionate approach.
Types of eating disorders
Understanding the various types of eating disorders is crucial for offering appropriate support and intervention. Each disorder comes with its own unique set of behaviours, challenges, and risk factors. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common eating disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and a strong desire to maintain an abnormally low body weight. Individuals with anorexia often engage in extreme food restriction, including self-imposed starvation, and may obsessively count calories or weigh themselves. There’s also a tendency to distort one’s body image, seeing themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight. This disorder can lead to severe malnutrition, organ damage, and in extreme cases, death. People with anorexia may also engage in excessive exercise to maintain their low weight and feel a sense of control over their bodies.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating, where an individual consumes an unusually large quantity of food in a short period. These episodes often stem from emotional distress, but after binge eating, the person feels a profound sense of shame and guilt. In an attempt to “undo” the effects of overeating, they engage in compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia tend to maintain a normal or slightly above-average weight, which can make the disorder harder to detect. The repeated cycle of binging and purging can lead to severe health consequences, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal damage, and dental issues due to vomiting.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often driven by emotional triggers such as stress, sadness, or anxiety. These episodes typically occur in secret, and individuals may feel a loss of control during binges. Unlike bulimia, BED does not involve purging behaviours (such as vomiting or excessive exercise), which can lead to rapid weight gain and increase the risk of developing obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. People with BED often experience feelings of guilt and shame after bingeing, contributing to a cycle of emotional distress and further overeating.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is marked by significant limitations in food intake that are not driven by concerns about body image. Unlike anorexia, the restriction of food in ARFID can arise from a range of factors, such as sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, or smell, a fear of choking, or a lack of interest in food altogether. These individuals may avoid certain food groups or have an extremely narrow diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies and unhealthy weight loss. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is more about avoiding food due to sensory or emotional issues rather than a desire to control weight or body shape. Treatment may involve addressing the sensory triggers or working to expand the individual’s food variety.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
OSFED encompasses eating disorders that do not meet the specific diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or BED but still cause significant distress and health risks. Individuals with OSFED may experience disordered eating behaviours that impact their physical and emotional well-being, such as eating in an uncontrolled or unhealthy manner, but in ways that do not fit the exact patterns of the other disorders. For example, someone might engage in frequent dieting, skipping meals, or purging but not in a way that fits the clinical definition of anorexia or bulimia. OSFED is often under-recognised but can be just as damaging to one’s health and mental well-being.
Creating a safe and supportive environment
A supportive environment is crucial for those struggling with an eating disorder. Many individuals dealing with an eating disorder experience deep feelings of shame, isolation, or guilt, making it difficult for them to open up about their struggles. Providing a space where they feel understood, valued, and safe can significantly aid in their healing process.
Here are some key ways to foster a supportive environment:
Use supportive language
The words we use can have a powerful impact on someone recovering from an eating disorder. Avoid commenting on weight, body shape, or food choices—even seemingly positive remarks like “You look healthy” can be misinterpreted by someone struggling with body image concerns. Instead, focus on emotional well-being and self-worth beyond appearance. Encourage conversations about personal achievements, hobbies, or goals unrelated to food or weight. Simple affirmations like “I value you for who you are” or “Your strength and resilience inspire me” can reinforce a sense of self-worth beyond physical attributes.
Be a good listener
Many people with eating disorders feel misunderstood or invalidated, so being a compassionate and nonjudgmental listener can make a significant difference. Instead of trying to “fix” the problem or offering unsolicited advice, practice active listening. This means maintaining eye contact, acknowledging their emotions, and responding with empathy. Phrases like “That sounds really difficult. I’m here for you” or “I can see how much this is affecting you” can help them feel heard and supported. Avoid dismissing their feelings or making comparisons, as this can minimise their experience.
Avoid triggers
Certain topics and behaviours can be triggering for someone with an eating disorder. Be mindful of conversations around weight loss, dieting, calorie counting, or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Even casual remarks about your own eating habits, exercise routines, or body image can be harmful. Instead, promote a balanced and neutral perspective on food by reinforcing that all foods have a place in a healthy lifestyle. If you notice that social settings—such as group meals—are particularly stressful for your loved one, allow them to navigate these situations at their own pace without pressure or judgement.
Encourage professional help
While your support is valuable, eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that require specialised treatment. Encouraging your loved one to seek professional help is one of the most meaningful ways to support them. Offer to help research therapy options, dietitians, specialised rehab facilities, or support groups, and reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If they are hesitant, express your concern without being forceful, such as, “I care about you, and I want to support you in any way I can. Have you considered speaking to someone who can help?”
Foster a positive atmosphere
Creating a safe space goes beyond just avoiding harmful language—it involves fostering an overall culture of acceptance, self-compassion, and understanding. Celebrate non-physical attributes such as kindness, creativity, or intelligence. Encourage open discussions about mental health and normalise seeking help as a positive step forward. By setting an example of self-love and body neutrality, you can help reinforce a healthier mindset for your loved one and yourself.
By taking these steps, you can help create an environment that supports healing and recovery, making it easier for someone with an eating disorder to feel valued, understood, and empowered on their recovery journey.
Encouraging positive body image and self-esteem
In a world that often equates worth with appearance, fostering a healthy body image is essential, especially for those vulnerable to eating disorders. This Awareness Week, take a stand against diet culture and actively promote body positivity and self-acceptance:
Challenge unrealistic beauty standards
The media bombards us with narrow and often unattainable beauty ideals, fuelling insecurities and negative self-perceptions. Be intentional about the content you consume—unfollow social media pages, avoid magazines, and question TV shows that glorify extreme thinness or unrealistic body expectations. Instead, support and share content that embraces diverse body types and authentic self-expression.
Model healthy behaviours
The way you speak about your own body and eating habits can significantly influence those around you. Avoid self-criticism, diet talk, or labeling foods as “bad” or “cheat meals.” Instead, embrace a balanced approach to nutrition and self-care, emphasising that all bodies deserve respect and nourishment. Leading by example can help shift the conversation toward self-acceptance and overall well-being.
Celebrate non-physical qualities
Self-worth is about so much more than appearance. Instead of focusing on looks, uplift others by recognising their kindness, intelligence, humour, creativity, or resilience. A simple shift in how we compliment others—saying “I admire how compassionate you are” instead of “You look great”—can reinforce the message that value is found beyond physical traits.
Encourage self-care and mental well-being
True confidence and self-acceptance start from within. Support activities that nurture mental and emotional health, such as journaling, mindfulness, creative hobbies, or spending time in nature. By prioritising self-care, we reinforce that feeling good is more important than looking a certain way.
This week and beyond, let’s commit to creating a culture where every body is valued, respected, and celebrated—free from the pressures of diet culture and beauty myths.
How to support someone in crisis
If you suspect someone is struggling severely with an eating disorder or is at risk of harming themselves, immediate and compassionate action is essential. Eating disorders can have life-threatening consequences, including heart complications, organ failure, and an increased risk of suicide. If someone is exhibiting extreme weight loss, fainting, frequent vomiting, compulsive exercise, or an overwhelming fear of food, consider the following steps to provide support:
Express your concern with care
Approach the person with empathy and without judgment. Instead of making accusations or assumptions, use “I” statements to express your observations and feelings. For example:
“I’ve noticed that you’ve been avoiding meals, and I’m really worried about you. I care about you and want to support you.”
This approach helps them feel seen and supported rather than criticised or pressured.
Create a safe and open environment
Talking about an eating disorder can be incredibly difficult for the person experiencing it. Make sure they know they are in a safe space to share their feelings without fear of shame or stigma. Listen more than you speak, and avoid interrupting or minimising their struggles.
Avoid confrontation and ultimatums
While feeling frustrated or scared is natural, forcing someone into treatment or demanding immediate change may push them away. Instead of saying, “You need to stop this now,” try, “I know this is hard, and I want to help you find a way to feel better.”
Encourage professional support
Eating disorders require medical and psychological intervention. Gently encourage the person to seek professional help, whether from a doctor, therapist, specialised rehab centre or registered dietitian. If they’re hesitant, offer to help them research treatment options or accompany them to an appointment.
Be patient and consistent
Recovery is a long and complex process, and relapses or setbacks are common. Continue to check in, remind them you’re there for them, and avoid commenting on their appearance or eating habits in a way that could add pressure.
Take immediate action if there’s a crisis
If the person is in immediate danger—such as expressing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or severe medical distress—act quickly:
Call emergency services or take them to the nearest hospital.
Contact an eating disorder helpline for guidance.
Stay with them and ensure they are not left alone.
Look after yourself too
Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you have your own support system, whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, to help you process your emotions and avoid burnout.
By approaching the situation with patience, understanding, and the right resources, you can play a vital role in helping someone take the first steps toward recovery.
Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that small actions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling. Whether you educate yourself, offer emotional support, challenge harmful societal norms, or advocate for change, you have the power to foster a more understanding and compassionate world.
Supporting someone with an eating disorder takes patience, empathy, and a commitment to non-judgemental care. This week, let’s come together to break the stigma, encourage recovery, and ensure that those affected feel seen, heard, and supported.
If you or a loved one would benefit from professional guidance or want to learn more about how UKAT can help, reach out to us today.
