Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds - anyone can develop an eating disorder.
Eating disorders can affect a person's relationship with food, eating, their body and themselves. They can have a significant impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, work and education.
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Research suggests they develop through a combination of factors, including our genetics, life experiences, mental and physical health, personality traits and the world around us. The reasons someone develops an eating disorder will be different for each individual.
Some people may eat much less than their body needs, while others may experience binge eating episodes. Some people may try to get rid of food they have eaten through behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, misusing laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise. Many people experience a combination of symptoms, and these can change over time.
Eating disorders are complex illnesses that are about much more than food. They are not a lifestyle choice, a diet gone too far, or a sign of vanity. They are nobody's fault, and anyone affected deserves understanding, support and access to treatment.
Recovery is possible, and the earlier someone gets help, the better their chances of recovery.
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.
Ask Beat is a growing collection of the most commonly asked questions we receive about eating disorders. Do you have a question you would like to answer? Visit ASK Beat.
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.
1 September 2026
Find out how you can access support for your eating disorder recovery before heading to or going back to university
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.
9 July 2026
Research suggests that people with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. Read more..
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 about 3.5 million children, young people and adults in the UK (1 in 20) are living with an eating disorder.
Learn more about existing eating disorder research findings and find out about current research studies.