Imagine being terrified of the very thing that keeps you

alive

.

For many people struggling with an eating disorder, food isn’t just food—it’s fear, guilt, and control all wrapped into one. Eating disorders aren’t just about food or weight; they’re deeply rooted mental health conditions, and they can affect anyone.

ABOUT

EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders are complex and go far beyond food and weight.

They affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves around eating, often leading to serious physical and emotional consequences. While they can be isolating and difficult to talk about, eating disorders are more common than many realise—and they are not a choice. Understanding them is the first step toward breaking the stigma and getting the right support.

When should I reach out for

help?

Eating disorders are diverse and can take many forms—some involve restricting food, others lead to cycles of bingeing and purging, and many aren’t always visible from the outside. They can be hard to define, and even harder to recognise in yourself. They don’t always fit into neat categories, and you don’t need to experience every symptom to be struggling.

It’s worth seeking support if you find yourself experiencing any of the following:

01

PREOCCUPATION WITH FOOD & BODY IMAGE

CONSTANT CALORIE COUNTING • MIRROR CHECKING • COMPARING WEIGHT/ SHAPE TO OTHERS

You might find yourself constantly checking the mirror, focusing on things you don’t like about your body—or avoiding mirrors altogether. Maybe you spend hours reading about diets or fitness trends, comparing yourself to others and feeling worse as a result. These thoughts and habits can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with them alone.

02

EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

GUILT OR SHAME • DEPRESSIVE EPISODES • MOOD SWINGS

Eating something you consider “unhealthy” might leave you feeling guilty, ashamed, or anxious. For some, even the idea of eating can feel overwhelming, causing stress that affects your mood or makes you want to avoid social situations altogether.

03

CHANGES IN EATING HABITS

UNUSUAL FOOD RITUALS • AVOIDANCE/ REFUSAL TO EAT

You might find yourself developing habits like cutting food into tiny pieces or avoiding certain food combinations as a way to feel more in control. Some people say they’ve already eaten or bring their own meals to avoid food made by others—often as a way to cope with deeper anxieties around eating.

04

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

PERSISTENT FATIGUE • MUSCLE WEAKNESS / LIGHTHEADEDNESS • HAIR THINNING, BRITTLE NAILS, DRY SKIN

You might notice feeling cold, even when you're bundled up, because your body is struggling with a slower metabolism or a lack of essential nutrients. Over time, things like hair thinning, brittle nails, and dry skin can appear, which may go unnoticed at first but can become more noticeable as your body’s balance is affected.

05

SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL

ISOLATION TO AVOID QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS • AVOIDING EATING IN FRONT OF OTHERS

Social events with food can feel really overwhelming, sometimes making it easier to completely avoid them. This can lead to feeling isolated, as you try to manage your eating habits on your own, hiding them from those around you.

Remember:

Eating disorders aren’t always easy to recognise—symptoms don’t always look the way you might expect.

It’s important to understand that not all symptoms will apply to everyone, and that many people who struggle with eating disorders don’t fit neatly into a specific category. In fact, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) accounts for nearly half of all cases—47%—with conditions like anorexia making up just 8%, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) 5%, binge eating disorder 22%, and bulimia 19%.

Read more about the different types of eating disorders

Types

of Eating Disorders

& Their Symptoms

Eating disorders (EDs) come in many forms, each with unique characteristics and challenges, but all are serious and impact physical as well as emotional well-being. Here are some of the most common types:

SEVERE FOOD RESTRICTION • OBSESSION WITH WEIGHT • DISTORTED BODY IMAGE • PHYSICAL CHANGES

Anorexia is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, which leads individuals to severely restrict their food intake. People with anorexia may engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or other behaviors to avoid weight gain. This disorder can lead to significant health risks, including malnutrition, organ damage, and even death if left untreated.

BINGE EATING EPISODES • COMPENSATORY BEHAVIOURS • DENTAL OR DIGESTIVE ISSUES • WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating—consuming large quantities of food in a short time—followed by compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting or overexercising to prevent weight gain. These cycles of bingeing and purging can harm the digestive system, teeth, and overall physical health. People with bulimia often feel a loss of control during binge episodes, followed by feelings of shame and guilt.

FREQUENT OVEREATING • SENSE OF LOSS OF CONTROL • EMOTIONAL EATING • PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is marked by repeated episodes of consuming excessive amounts of food, often quickly and in secret, with a sense of being unable to stop. Unlike bulimia, there are no compensatory behaviors, which often results in physical discomfort and long-term weight-related health concerns. These episodes are often triggered by emotional distress or stress, creating a cycle of guilt and shame.

LACK OF INTEREST IN EATING • NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES • AVOIDANCE BASED ON SENSORY ISSUES

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) goes beyond “picky eating” and involves a pattern of food avoidance that leads to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss. This avoidance may be due to sensory sensitivities (e.g., texture, smell), fear of negative consequences (e.g., choking), or a general disinterest in eating. It is not driven by body image concerns, distinguishing it from other eating disorders.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) encompasses eating disorders that don’t fit neatly into the other categories but still cause significant distress and health risks. For example, someone with atypical anorexia may experience the same intense fear of weight gain as anorexia but maintain a “normal” weight. Despite the variation in symptoms, these conditions are equally serious and require treatment.

Examples of OSFED include:

Orthorexia is an unhealthy obsession with eating foods that are perceived as "healthy" or "pure" while avoiding foods considered unhealthy. It's not officially recognised as a formal eating disorder in diagnostic manuals, but it often falls under OSFED. While it doesn’t necessarily lead to malnutrition or drastic weight changes, it can negatively affect mental health, relationships, and social functioning.

Pica involves the compulsive consumption of non-food items, like dirt, chalk, or hair. While it isn't typically classified as an eating disorder in the traditional sense, it is included under OSFED because it disrupts normal eating patterns and can lead to serious health complications. Pica is often linked to nutritional deficiencies or developmental conditions, but it's not considered a distinct disorder like anorexia or bulimia.

Getting help:

One Step at a Time

Recognising the issue

I .

The first step in getting help is acknowledging that something isn’t right. Eating disorders can be sneaky—they often start with small changes in eating habits or exercise routines and gradually take up more and more space in your life. If thoughts about food, weight, or your body feel overwhelming, stressful, or out of control, that’s a sign to take a step back.

You don’t have to meet a certain level of “sickness” to deserve help. If your relationship with food is affecting your mood, daily routine, or self-esteem, it’s worth paying attention to.

Learning more

II.

Before reaching out for help, it can be reassuring to understand what you’re experiencing. Eating disorders aren’t just about food—they’re complex mental health conditions influenced by emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The more you learn, the easier it becomes to recognize patterns, challenge misconceptions, and take the next step toward support.

There are plenty of reliable resources available to help you understand eating disorders, their effects, and recovery options. Some great resources inlcude:

Reading personal stories from those who have recovered can also help you feel less alone and more hopeful about what’s possible. Understanding your experience is a powerful step toward change.

Reaching out for support

III.

Whether you’re unsure if you need help or you’re ready to take action, talking to someone is a great step forward.

Support can look different for everyone— you might start by opening up to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or partner. Saying it out loud can make it feel more real, but it also means you’re no longer carrying it alone. If that feels too difficult, you can reach out to a professional or an anonymous helpline instead.