Content warning: Eating disorders
Eating disorder awareness month ends on February 28th. The need for awareness doesn’t.
Every year, millions of people live with eating disorders, many in silence. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, races, and body types, yet they remain misunderstood, underrepresented, and ignored.
According to Beat Eating Disorders, at least 1.25 million people have an eating disorder in the UK. Despite these statistics, stigma and stereotypes continue to prevent many from seeking help.
Part of the problem is the portrayal of eating disorders. The misrepresentation is drastic, causing many people to miss urgent warning signs from friends and family members. Disorders such as binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), orthorexia and anorexia nervosa are just some of the labelled disordered eating patterns that are, far too often, glamorised, confused, or under-acknowledged.
In the UK, eating disorders affect more than 1 in 50 of the population. Of those with a recognised disorder, research suggests around 22% have binge eating disorder, 19% bulimia nervosa, 8% anorexia nervosa and approximately 5% ARFID, with other specified feeding or eating disorders making up the remainder.
Binge eating disorder involves repeated episodes of consuming large amounts of food without purging and is one of the most common forms. Bulimia nervosa is characterised by cycles of bingeing followed by purging through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise. Anorexia nervosa involves severe restriction of food intake, fear of weight gain and distorted body image. ARFID differs from other eating disorders in that food restriction is driven by sensory sensitivities and fears around eating.
Calls to the UK charity Beat about ARFID have surged from 295 in 2018 to over 2,000 in 2023. Orthorexia, though not formally recognised as a clinical diagnosis, describes an unhealthy obsession with “pure” eating that can mirror clinical eating disorders, contributing to anxiety and malnutrition. Experts warn that a greater understanding of the full spectrum of eating disorders is essential to improve early intervention, prevention, and access to appropriate care across the country.
Hospitals recorded more than 31,000 eating-disorder-related admissions in England over a 12-month period, illustrating an 84% increase over the last 5 years. Eating disorders are linked to serious health complications: from heart, digestive, and hormonal problems, to bone erosion and cognitive difficulties, and they carry one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health issue. Alongside physical complications, mental health impacts are equally significant and severe.
People with eating disorders are more likely to experience anxiety, as well as depression. According to the NHS, 50-75% of people with eating disorders experience depression, with significantly larger risks of self-harm, anxiety and low mood. These figures demonstrate that awareness cannot be confined to February: better understanding can drive earlier help-seeking, reduce harm, and save lives.
If you feel concern for a friend or peer at university, make sure to breach the conversation with care and love. The mention of weight can be extremely triggering for someone suffering from an eating disorder. A priority should be acknowledging mood changes, and noticing signals of distress (for example, someone behaving ‘less like themselves’) and reclusive behaviours. Sharing stories of similar troubles can increase the comfort of the person you are concerned for, allowing them to become more vulnerable and confide in you. Please approach this topic with care and prioritise your own wellbeing. If you believe someone is in trouble, but don’t feel comfortable getting involved, tell a member of staff or a mutual friend.
For those concerned about themselves or others, support is available and accessible. The eating disorder charity Beat offers confidential help through its Adult Helpline (0808 801 0677) and Studentline (0808 801 0811), providing practical advice, guidance on next steps and a safe space to talk. Individuals can also contact their GP to request an assessment or referral to specialist services, even if symptoms feel early or uncertain. For moments of acute distress or emotional crisis, Samaritans (116 123) offers free, 24-hour support to anyone struggling to cope, including those affected by eating disorders and their loved ones. Experts stress that reaching out early can prevent conditions from escalating and ensure people receive the care they need.
Eating disorder awareness month may be February, but understanding, support, and action are needed every single day.
