Understanding Eating Disorders: Signs, Risks and When to Seek Help

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect how people think about food, eating, and their body image. Along with physical consequences, they can deeply impact a person’s emotional well-being and daily life. There are approximately 1.25 million people in the UK living with an eating disorder.

Eating disorders are not simply diets or lifestyle choices — they are serious illnesses that require understanding and specialist help.

Common types include:

• Anorexia nervosa – restricting food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image.
• Bulimia nervosa – cycles of bingeing and purging (vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise).
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – repeated episodes of eating large amounts in a short period, often leading to guilt or distress.
• ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – avoidance of food due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or low interest in eating, not driven by weight concerns.
• Mixed or atypical eating disorders (OSFED) – when symptoms don’t fit neatly into one category but still cause significant distress and harm.

Who is most at risk of developing an eating disorder?

Anyone can develop an eating disorder. They affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders, although diagnosis is more common in women. Eating disorders can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

There is usually no single cause but rather a combination of factors:

• Genetic predisposition: Having family members with eating disorders or other mental health issues increases the risk; there is no single gene but multiple genes influence risk through effects on personality traits, metabolism and brain function. Twin and family studies show that 40- 60% of the variance in risk for eating disorders can be attributed to genetics.
• Psychological factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, difficulty handling emotions or stress.
• Social and cultural influences: Societal expectations that equate thinness with attractiveness and success contribute significantly to the development of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Idealised body images perpetuated through traditional media and intensified by social media platforms create unrealistic beauty standards. The widespread use of filters and digitally altered images distorts perceptions of what constitutes a normal, healthy body, while weight stigma reinforces negative attitudes toward larger body types.
• Life events and trauma: Adverse life experiences such as bullying, relationship difficulties, bereavement, or other significant stressors can contribute to the onset of eating disorders. These events may lead individuals to seek comfort and a sense of control through food—either by overeating as a coping mechanism or by excessively restricting intake. In this way, disordered eating can function as a maladaptive response to emotional distress or a perceived loss of control.
• Biological changes: Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty.

What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?

There are no universal markers for an eating disorder, which involve both psychological and physical properties. The following is a guide to some common manifestations: 

What happens if an eating disorder isn’t treated?

Without treatment, eating disorders can cause serious long-term complications, including:

• Nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalance
• Heart problems and low blood pressure
• Bone density loss and fractures
• Hormonal changes and fertility issues
• Digestive problems and dental damage
• Anxiety, depression, or self-harm

In severe cases, eating disorders can be life-threatening, which is why early recognition and intervention are vital to improve recovery outcomes.

How do I prevent someone from developing an eating disorder?

While not all eating disorders can be prevented, you can help reduce risk by:

• Encouraging positive body image and self-acceptance
• Avoiding talk about “good” or “bad” foods or giving appearance-based compliments
• Encouraging resilience, healthy emotional expression, and effective stress management techniques
• Keeping an open, non-judgmental dialogue about food, emotions, and online influences
• Helping them critically evaluate social media and unrealistic beauty ideals

What should I do if a family member is starting to restrict their eating?

If you’re worried someone close to you may be developing disordered eating:

• Approach them with empathy and care, not criticism
• Avoid commenting on weight or appearance
• Gently share your concerns, focusing on their wellbeing
• Encourage them to seek professional help early
• Offer to support them in booking appointments or attending sessions
• Remember to look after your own emotional health too

How are eating disorders treated?

Treatment for eating disorders is usually multidisciplinary, combining medical, psychological, and nutritional care.It may include:

• Medical monitoring – blood tests, ECGs, and physical health checks
• Therapy – such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Therapy (FBT), or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Nutritional counselling – to rebuild balanced eating patterns with support from a dietitian
• Psychiatric input – where medication or additional mental health support is needed
• Family therapy and support groups – to help loved ones understand and assist recovery

Sloane Street Surgery has access to some of the best eating disorder therapists, nutritionists, family therapists, and psychiatrists. When appropriate, we can also arrange referrals to private inpatient or outpatient clinics that provide intensive, specialist care.

Can someone fully recover from an eating disorder?

Yes — with early, appropriate treatment and continued support, recovery is absolutely possible. Many people regain a healthy relationship with food and body image, and go on to live normal, full, balanced lives.

Recovery isn’t usually linear; setbacks can happen, but consistent professional and family support make a huge difference.

Where can I get help for an eating disorder?

If you’re worried about yourself, your child, another family member or friend, please don’t wait to reach out for help. Eating disorders are treatable, and early support really can make a difference.

At Sloane Street Surgery, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step. Our experienced GPs can assess your situation sensitively, offer guidance, and help you access the most appropriate care — whether that’s ongoing therapy, nutritional support, or specialist treatment.

You can book a confidential appointment online or call us on 0207 245 9333 to speak with one of our team.

You don’t have to face this alone — help, understanding, and recovery are possible.