Eating Disorders
Understanding Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating in Young People
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can affect anyone, but young people are particularly vulnerable. Pressures around appearance, social media influence, academic stress, and emotional challenges can all contribute. Early understanding and intervention make a profound difference, which is why awareness among families, schools, and communities is essential.
This article outlines the main types of eating disorders, common patterns of disordered eating, where young people in the UK can access support, and how adults can help safeguard children from developing these conditions.
- Types of Eating Disorders Affecting Young People
Anorexia Nervosa
A serious condition characterised by:
• Restricting food intake • Intense fear of weight gain • Distorted body image
Young people may appear preoccupied with dieting, exercise, or “healthy eating,” often masking significant emotional distress.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia involves cycles of:
• Binge eating • Compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise
Because weight often remains within a typical range, it can be harder to detect.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
BED is marked by:
• Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food rapidly • Feeling out of control • Intense guilt or shame afterwards
Unlike bulimia, there are no purging behaviours.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is not driven by body image concerns. Instead, young people may:
• Avoid foods due to sensory issues • Fear choking or vomiting • Have very limited diets
It can lead to nutritional deficiencies and social difficulties.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
OSFED includes symptoms that don’t fit neatly into the above categories but still cause significant distress or impairment. It is one of the most common diagnoses among young people.
- Disordered Eating Patterns in Young People
Not all disordered eating meets the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, but these behaviours can still be harmful and may develop into full eating disorders if unaddressed.
Common patterns include:
• Chronic dieting or skipping meals • Obsessive calorie counting • Excessive exercise • “Clean eating” taken to extremes • Emotional eating • Using diet pills, laxatives, or supplements to control weight
These behaviours often emerge gradually and may be normalised by peers or social media, making them easy to overlook.
- UK Organisations Supporting Young People with Eating Disorders
Young people and families in the UK have access to several trusted organisations offering information, helplines, and specialist support.
Beat Eating Disorders
The UK’s leading eating disorder charity.
• Helplines for young people and adults • Online chat • Support groups • Resources for schools and families
NHS Eating Disorder Services
• GP referrals for assessment and treatment • Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) • Inpatient and outpatient support depending on severity
YoungMinds
A mental health charity for young people.
• Information on eating disorders • Parent helpline • Guidance on navigating CAMHS
Mind
Provides mental health information and signposting.
• Resources on eating disorders • Local support groups in some areas
The Mix
Support for under-25s.
• Helpline, webchat, and forums • Advice on body image, mental health, and eating issues
- How Families Can Help Safeguard Children
Families play a crucial role in prevention and early intervention. Supportive environments can significantly reduce risk.
Promote a Healthy Relationship with Food
• Avoid labelling foods as “good” or “bad” • Encourage balanced eating without pressure • Model positive attitudes toward body image and nutrition
Create Open Communication
• Make it safe for young people to talk about emotions • Listen without judgement • Notice changes in mood, behaviour, or eating patterns
Challenge Harmful Messages
• Discuss unrealistic beauty standards • Encourage critical thinking about social media • Celebrate strengths unrelated to appearance
Support Emotional Wellbeing
• Encourage hobbies, friendships, and downtime • Help young people manage stress in healthy ways • Seek early help if anxiety, depression, or perfectionism emerge
- How Schools Can Safeguard Students
Schools are uniquely positioned to spot early signs and create protective environments.
Education and Awareness
• Provide age-appropriate lessons on body image, nutrition, and mental health • Train staff to recognise early warning signs
Promote a Positive Culture
• Avoid weight-focused language in PE or health classes • Celebrate diversity in body shapes and abilities • Challenge bullying related to appearance
Early Identification and Support
• Have clear referral pathways to pastoral teams or school counsellors • Work collaboratively with families and external services • Provide safe spaces for students to talk
Responsible Messaging
• Avoid school-wide weight-loss challenges or “diet talk” • Ensure canteen and PE policies support healthy, balanced attitudes
Final Thoughts
Eating disorders are not a choice, a phase, or a sign of vanity—they are serious mental health conditions that require understanding, compassion, and timely support. By working together, families, schools, and communities can create environments where young people feel valued, supported, and resilient.