Eating Disorders Awareness Week
23 February – 1 March 2026
What is Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a moment for all to reflect on eating disorders, tackle stigma, and learn how we can address and overcome barriers to ensure that recovery becomes possible for all.
The theme for Eating Disorders Awareness Week is set by UK eating disorders charity, Beat. Over the years, they have inspired the sector to look at themes such as medical training in eating disorders, the binge eating disorder diagnosis, and spotlighted diversity in eating disorders to overcome harmful myths and stereotypes.
It’s important to know that you are not alone if you are experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder.
Talk to our specialist team
If you want to talk more about eating disorders, or you’re looking to support a loved one, contact our expert team today.
1.25 million+
people in the UK have an eating disorder.
EDAW 2026: Community
Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2026 focuses on BEAT’s theme of Community, highlighting that eating disorder recovery does not happen in isolation. Eating disorders can be deeply isolating, affecting not only individuals but also families, carers and support networks who may feel unsure how to help.
In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder, yet many people still struggle to recognise the signs or access support early. Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an opportunity to reduce stigma, build shared understanding and reinforce the importance of community – from friends and families to healthcare professionals and wider support systems.
At Orri, we work alongside these communities, supporting individuals while actively involving families and carers as part of recovery. By strengthening connection and collaboration, we help ensure people feel supported during treatment and beyond.
Why Eating Disorder Awareness matters
Eating disorder awareness matters because these illnesses are far more common than many people realise, yet they often go unrecognised and unsupported. Recent NHS data shows that around 1 in 8 young people aged 17–19 in England are living with an eating disorder, highlighting how prevalent these conditions are during key developmental years.
Stigma, misunderstanding, and delayed diagnosis mean many people struggle for too long before receiving help. Increasing awareness helps people recognise the signs earlier, encourages timely support, and reinforces the message that eating disorders are serious, treatable illnesses and that recovery is strengthened through understanding, compassion, and community.
Understanding eating disorders
Anorexia
An eating disorder characterised by restricted food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image, leading to significantly low body weight.
Bulimia
Involves episodes of compensatory behaviours, such as purging (vomiting), fasting, or excessive exercise, often preceded by binge eating. Individuals with bulimia may maintain a ‘normal’ weight.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Characterised by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period of time (bingeing), and often experiencing shame, distress, or guilt afterward, without regular use of compensatory activities.
ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
ARFID is a relatively new eating disorder diagnosis referenced in the DSM-5.
Previously coined “Selective Eating”, it involves limitations and/or restrictions around food, particularly around the intake of certain types of food or certain amounts.
Orthorexia
Involves an unhealthy obsession with eating only foods perceived as healthy, often leading to nutritional deficiencies and social isolation.
Anorexia Athletica
A condition associated with excessive and compulsive exercise, often accompanied by disordered eating behaviors, with the primary goal of fitting a specific athletic aesthetic or performance.
Diabulimia
Refers to an eating disorder experienced by individuals with Type 1 Diabetes, where someone will deliberately manipulate their use of insulin for weight loss purposes, leading to serious health complications.
OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder )
Represents a category of eating disorders that do not meet the strict criteria of disorders like anorexia or bulimia but still involve significant disordered eating behaviors that cause distress or impairment.
Common Signs and When to Seek Help
There’s no ‘one way’ to have an eating disorder, but here are some commonalities that can help with diagnosis
Isolating yourself from others
Preoccupation with food and eating
Low confidence, low self-esteem and anxiety – particularly when eating in front of others
Fear of gaining weight or pursuit of thinness and excessive focus on body weight
Distorted perception of body shape or weight
Inability to eat intuitively or reluctance to respond to hunger cues
Other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses.
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or background, can develop one.
Our blogs
Alumni client, Reb, shares her eating disorder recovery journey with Orri, and demonstrates how recovery is possible.
FAQs
How many people have an eating disorder in the UK?
Beat estimates indicate that at least 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder.
When is Eating Disorder Awareness Week in the UK 2026?
Monday 23rd February – Sunday 1st March.
What age is most likely to have an eating disorder?
Anyone of any age can develop an eating disorder, however, they often develop between the ages of 16-35. Eating disorders can often manifest during life challenges and transition periods.
What are the reasons people develop an eating disorder?
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, including:
- Family history. Research suggests that 50-80% of a person’s risk can be explained by genetic factors
- Social factors. Life experiences or milestones, particularly moments of transition (like moving schools, homes, loss or divorce) can create emotional distress
- Other mental health diagnoses or psychological factors. Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and personality disorders
- Experiencing trauma. Negative life experiences – whether they are sudden or more drawn out – can cause emotional distress that prompts someone to cope through food
What country has the highest percentage of eating disorders?
Comparatively speaking, eating disorders are most prevalent in Western countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
However, different populations experience eating disorders differently. What’s more, prevalence depends on how accurately diagnostic rates are tracked.
If you have concerns about your relationship to food and your body, simply reach out. We’re here to talk it through.