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Eating Disorders Awareness Week

From Monday 24th February to 2nd March, Eating Disorders Awareness Week highlights the theme “Anyone can be affected by an eating disorder.” 

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that disrupt a person’s relationship with food, body image and overall wellbeing. They are not a choice or a phase but complex conditions influenced by psychological, biological and social factors. 

Did you know that about 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder in one form or another? That’s roughly 2% of the entire UK population.  

In Scotland, there has been a consistent increase in hospital admissions of both children and adults due to eating disorders, reflecting the growing impact of these conditions. While official statistics for Scotland remain limited, research shows that the suicide rate among individuals with eating disorders is 23 times higher than that of the general population. This underscores that eating disorders are not just about food or body image. They are serious mental health issues that require understanding and support. 

This year’s theme for Eating Disorders Awareness Week focuses on breaking stereotypes and raising awareness that eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, challenging the idea that they fit a single narrative. You can read more about it on the BEAT website.

recognising the signs 

Spotting the early signs of an eating disorder can lead to better outcomes. It’s important to remember that eating disorders don’t have a single ‘look’. Some common indicators include: 

  • Preoccupation with food or body image: Constant thoughts about weight, calories or appearance. 
  • Changes in eating habits: Skipping meals, restrictive diets or unusual eating rituals. 
  • Physical symptoms: Fatigue, noticeable weight changes, dizziness or frequent stomach issues. 
  • Behavioural changes: Avoiding meals with others, secrecy around eating or excessive exercise. 
  • Emotional changes: Increased anxiety or depression, irritability and emotional withdrawal. 

Myths about eating disorders

eating disorders
only affect females

Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender or background. In fact, 25% of individuals with eating disorders are male and there is a rising trend of hospital admissions for boys and young men. 

recovery from an eating disorder is impossible

Early intervention and treatment of an eating disorder significantly improve the chances of recovery. While the journey is often non-linear and can include setbacks, individuals can regain control and lead fulfilling lives with the right support. 

eating disorders always involve visible weight loss

Individuals with eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Some people may be underweight, but others can be at a normal or higher weight. The internal struggles and behaviours associated with eating disorders may not be evident from outward appearance alone.

Use your voice to challenge stereotypes and educate others about eating disorders. Share facts, stories and resources on social media using the hashtag #EDAW2025 to reach your network.

By sharing facts instead of myths, you will help to break down stigma and enable more people who are impacted by eating disorders to access the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them. 

Organise or participate in fundraising events to support Change Mental Health. We’re providing life-changing services for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions, including eating disorders. You could do a sponsored walk or run, a creative challenge or even a silent auction.

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps fund support resources for those affected by mental illness and their carers.

Fundraise for Change Mental Health

 

support

Beat is a leading charity for eating disorder support and our support page lists places you can contact if you need urgent help. 

Organisations like SupportED Scotland or NEEDS offer various forms of support, including peer support groups, befriending and support for carers of people diagnosed with eating disorders.

If you or anyone you know requires support, our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.

Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.

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