Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025

Every year, Beat Eating Disorders – the UK’s leading eating disorders charity – raises awareness about eating disorders, their signs and symptoms, the impact they have on individuals and families, and the importance of early intervention.

This year, Beat is using Eating Disorders Awareness Week to highlight that “anyone can be affected by eating disorders”.

Eating disorders in the UK

Right now, more than 1 in 50 people in the UK are living with an eating disorder – but the actual number could be even higher. Eating disorders are very complex and are often misunderstood, mislabelled or misdiagnosed. 

Eating disorders can affect anyone, and it’s not always who you expect. It is important to remember that anyone can be affected, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or background.

Voices of those with lived experience

In December and January Beat Eating Disorders ran a survey to gather findings on lived experience of eating disorders.1,900 people responded to the survey, and this is what they said:

• 4 in 5 thought that greater public awareness would make them feel more comfortable to talk about their eating disorder.
• 2 in 3 would not feel comfortable talking to a teacher about their eating disorder.
• 2 in 3 would not feel comfortable talking to their line manager about their eating disorder.
• 2 in 3 would not feel comfortable talking to a colleague about their eating disorder.

Eating disorders at work

How can I support another colleague?

If you are concerned that someone you are working with has an eating disorder, you could start a conversation with them about it. Understanding and compassion can go a long way towards supporting someone in the workplace who may have an eating disorder. Beat Eating Disorders has tips about approaching this conversation.

If you don’t feel able to talk to them, you could speak to your manager or HR for advice and support. You don’t have to name the person you’re concerned about, but they might be able to help you have that conversation.

For more advice, see our article on how to help someone with an eating disorder.

Eating disorder support

Beat Eating Disorders offer confidential advice and resources on telling someone you have an eating disorder, helping someone else with an eating disorder, getting a referral, what to expect from treatment, and more. Take a look at the BEAT website or contact them using the details below: 

Helpline: 0808 801 0677 (open from 3pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday)

Email: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk

CNWL Trust’s STRIDES service also helps young adults (16 to 35 year olds) understand their eating problems and develop practical skills to manage their eating habits, emotions, and body image. To access the STRIDES service, you can self-refer through the CNWL website or speak to your GP for a referral.

If you are in need of urgent help or medical advice for yourself or someone else please contact 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. If you are looking for medical advice contact your GP or 111.