Eating disorders are serious and complex mental illnesses. They are often misunderstood, frequently hidden, and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or background.
In this public education video, Jess Griffiths, Eating Disorders Therapist and national trainer at Maudsley Learning, explains what eating disorders really are, how to recognise early warning signs, and why recovery is possible with the right treatment and support.
Below, we explore some of the key themes discussed in the video.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are not simply about food. They are mental health conditions rooted in emotional distress.
While behaviours around food may be visible, the underlying drivers often include anxiety, perfectionism, low self esteem, trauma, or difficulty managing emotions. Food related behaviours can become coping strategies for overwhelming feelings.
Eating disorders require specialist assessment and evidence based treatment. They should always be taken seriously.
The main types of eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder
- Otherwise specified feeding or eating disorder
Many people do not fit neatly into one diagnostic category. Eating disorders can present differently from person to person, which is why individualised assessment and support are essential.
Who Can Develop an Eating Disorder?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder.
These illnesses affect people of all ages, genders and communities. While certain personality traits such as perfectionism or low self esteem may increase vulnerability, eating disorders arise from a complex interaction of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
According to Beat, the UK eating disorder charity, an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. Many do not seek support, meaning the true number is likely to be higher.
Common Myths About Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Are About Food
One of the most common misconceptions is that eating disorders are simply about food choices or dieting. In reality, they are about emotional distress. The behaviours around food often mask deeper psychological pain.
You Can Tell If Someone Has an Eating Disorder
It is not possible to diagnose an eating disorder by appearance alone. Over 90 per cent of people experiencing eating disorders are at a healthy weight or above. Weight is not a reliable indicator of whether someone is struggling.
Eating Disorders Only Affect Women
Eating disorders are not exclusively female conditions. Many men experience eating disorders, but stigma and social expectations can prevent them from recognising symptoms or seeking help. In some cases, difficulties may present as extreme exercise routines or rigid muscle building behaviours that are socially normalised.
Challenging these myths is essential to reducing stigma and helping people access support earlier.
Early Warning Signs
Recognising early warning signs can be difficult because eating is part of everyday life. However, potential indicators include:
- Avoiding social situations involving food
- Increased anxiety around eating
- Extreme perfectionism or high achievement at the expense of health
- Over exercising
- Significant changes in eating patterns
Eating disorders are often linked with other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Many individuals describe using eating disorder behaviours to regain a sense of control during periods of emotional overwhelm.
Early intervention significantly improves recovery outcomes.
How Are Eating Disorders Treated?
Eating disorders require evidence based treatment delivered by specialist services.
For most people, first line treatment involves psychological therapy within a community setting. If physical health is at risk, more intensive support such as day patient or inpatient care may be necessary.
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, highlighting the importance of early recognition and timely intervention.
Recovery often begins with restoring regular eating and stabilising physical health. Once this foundation is in place, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying emotional distress that drives eating disorder behaviours.
With appropriate support, people can and do fully recover, going on to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Supporting Someone With an Eating Disorder
Many people experiencing eating disorders find it difficult to ask for help. Often it is friends, family members or colleagues who first notice changes.
If you are concerned about someone:
- Lead with open questions such as “How are you doing?”
- Focus on feelings rather than behaviours
- Listen without trying to fix
- Offer consistent reassurance and support
Shame can make conversations challenging. If an initial discussion does not go well, revisit it at a calmer time. Patience, understanding and compassion can make a meaningful difference.
Accessing Support in the UK
If you are worried about yourself or someone else:
- Speak to your GP
- Reach out to someone you trust
- Seek guidance from Beat, the national eating disorder charity
Research suggests that it can take around three years from the onset of symptoms to accessing specialist support. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the likelihood of sustained recovery.
Eating Disorder Training for Healthcare Professionals
At Maudsley Learning, we deliver national training programmes for healthcare professionals working in eating disorder services.
Our programmes include:
- EDSA, Eating Disorders Services for Adults
- MANTRA, an evidence based treatment recommended by NICE for anorexia nervosa in adults
These programmes equip multidisciplinary teams with the skills and knowledge required to deliver effective, evidence based care.
Visit our training pages to learn more about professional development opportunities.
