Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds - anyone can develop one.
People with eating disorders use disordered eating behaviour as a way to cope with difficult situations or feelings. This behaviour can include limiting the amount of food eaten, eating very large quantities of food at once, getting rid of food eaten through unhealthy means (e.g. making themselves sick, misusing laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise), or a combination of these behaviours.
It’s important to remember that eating disorders are not all about food itself, but about feelings. The way the person treats food may make them feel more able to cope, or may make them feel in control, though they might not be aware of the purpose this behaviour is serving. An eating disorder is never the fault of the person experiencing it, and anyone who has an eating disorder deserves fast, compassionate support to help them get better.
So that healthcare professionals can choose the right kind of treatment for someone, there are a number of different eating disorders that someone can be diagnosed with. It’s possible for someone to move between diagnoses if their symptoms change – there is often a lot of overlap between different eating disorders.
Learn more about eating disorders, including different diagnoses and how diagnosis works.
Learn about different diagnoses and what to be aware of if you think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder.
We have teamed up with JAAQ to bring you real, down-to-earth conversations about eating disorders.
Eating disorders are often misunderstood. Here we address some of the misconceptions that surround these serious mental illnesses.
View our resources on eating disorders. Including, help with a GP appointment, posters and leaflets.
Unfortunately, a lot of content online about eating disorders is not helpful for recovery. Learn more about the dangers of "pro-ana" and "pro-mia" content and some positive alternatives.
13 November 2025
Navigating social media can be tricky, particularly for people living with eating disorders. Find out more:
29 October 2025
Learn more about how to manage an eating disorder if you're living with a disability.
30 September 2025
Learn about how menopause can affect eating disorders, and how to support yourself or a loved one
2 June 2025
Learn about how to navigate exam season if you're affected by an eating disorder.
6 May 2025
Learn more about how eating disorders can affect pregnancy and the postnatal period and how to support yourself or a loved one.
2 April 2024
Learn more about how eating disorders can show up for autistic people, and how to support yourself or a loved one.
20 January 2022
This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we’re shining a spotlight on men. Men who’ve struggled with eating disorders.
14 June 2022
People in the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately affected by eating disorders. Resources and support are available.
27 February 2025
We know that celebrations and events can be challenging if you're affected by an eating disorder.
2 December 2021
Learn more about how you can navigate Christmas with an eating disorder.
9 April 2025
For Jewish people with eating disorders, celebrating Passover can be challenging. Read more here
Learn more about how you can navigate Ramadan with an eating disorder.
10 April 2025
Celebrations like Eid may be a stressful time if you have or are caring for a loved one with an eating disorder.
We estimate that at least 1.25 million people in the UK (1 in 50) have an eating disorder.
Learn more about existing eating disorder research findings and find out about current research studies.