Eating Disorders Awareness Week
24 February – 2 March 2025
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 2025: Anyone can have an eating disorder
This year, Eating Disorders Awareness Week is shining a light on the reality that anyone can have an eating disorder.
In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder. That’s at least 1 in 50 people. And yet many people wouldn’t know how to spot the signs that someone has an eating disorder. This is important because the sooner someone is treated for an eating disorder the better their chance of making a full recovery.
Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice or a ‘phase’. They can be incredibly isolating illnesses, so it’s important to recognise the courage it takes to reach out for support. There are many different types of eating disorders, and each person’s experience will be unique to them and their personal history.
Anyone, of any age, gender or background can suffer from an eating disorder. They do not discriminate, yet unhelpful stereotypes can cause many people’s illnesses to go unnoticed. Individuals with eating disorders can be incredibly high functioning despite their illness, often maintaining a full-time job whilst secretly struggling.
The different types of 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.
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses.
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or background, can develop one.
Online Information Session: 24th of February | 6:30 – 7:30pm
‘Understanding eating disorders: knowing when and how to access care’
Join our online information session, as Orri’s experts offer knowledge on eating disorders, including recognising types, symptoms, and the impact on people’s emotional and physical wellbeing.
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 2025?
Monday 24th February – Sunday 2nd 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.