When people think of eating disorders, many picture a teenage girl. But eating disorders can affect anyone. The eating disorders charity Beat describes them as serious mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds.
NICE guidance also points out that eating disorders show up in a range of settings, including social care. So whether you work in a care home, in supported living or in someone’s own home, it helps to know what to look out for.
What is an eating disorder?
The NHS describes an eating disorder as a mental health condition where someone uses the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations. That might mean eating too much or too little, or worrying a lot about weight or body shape.
It isn’t about vanity, willpower or being a “fussy eater”. It’s a way of coping. And with treatment, most people can recover.
The main types
- Anorexia nervosa: trying to control weight by not eating enough food, exercising too much, or both
- Bulimia: losing control over how much is eaten, then taking drastic action to avoid putting on weight
- Binge eating disorder: eating large portions of food until feeling uncomfortably full
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED): when symptoms don’t exactly fit one specific eating disorder. It’s the most common eating disorder
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): avoiding certain foods, limiting how much is eaten, or both. It isn’t driven by beliefs about weight or shape. It can come from things like the smell, taste or texture of food, or an upsetting past experience such as choking
Signs of an eating disorder to look out for
Eating disorders can be very hard to spot. The person may not realise they have one, or may be secretive or defensive about their eating or weight. Warning signs the NHS lists include:
- dramatic weight loss
- lying about how much they’ve eaten, when they ate, or their weight
- eating a lot of food very fast
- going to the bathroom a lot after eating
- exercising a lot
- avoiding eating with others
- cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly
- wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide weight loss
Changes in mood matter too, such as someone becoming withdrawn, anxious or low. Physical signs can include feeling cold, tired or dizzy, and problems with digestion.
Weight isn’t the whole picture. NICE says single measures such as BMI should not be used on their own to decide whether to offer someone treatment. So a person’s weight alone doesn’t tell you how unwell they are.
What to do if you’re worried
- Notice and record. Write down what you’ve seen and when, and hand it over so the next shift knows.
- Talk to a senior colleague, and follow your service’s policies and the person’s care plan.
- Let the person know you care. Talk privately and calmly, and focus on how they’re feeling rather than on food, weight or appearance.
- Encourage them to see their GP, and offer to support them to go. A GP can check their overall health and may refer them to specialist support.
- If their physical health is at risk, for example they are fainting or seem very unwell, get medical help straight away.
Try not to comment on what’s on their plate, remark on their body, or turn mealtimes into a battle. The NHS notes that being criticised for eating habits, body shape or weight is one of the things that can make an eating disorder more likely.
Supporting recovery
Recovery takes time, and it looks different for everyone. Treatment usually includes a talking therapy, and some people also need regular health checks.
In a care setting, everyday support makes a real difference: calm, predictable mealtimes, a person-centred care plan agreed with the person and the professionals supporting them, and staff who respond with patience rather than pressure. Setbacks, other people’s comments and difficult times of year can all be hard, so it helps to plan for them together.
Where to find support
The eating disorders charity Beat offers information and a confidential helpline on 0808 801 0677. Its website also has advice for anyone worried about a friend, family member or colleague.
How training helps
Understanding eating disorders helps staff notice the signs early and respond in a way that supports recovery. Courses that help include:
- Eating Disorders (half day): what eating disorders are, the different types and their effects, treatments, and supporting recovery
- Mental Health Awareness (half day): the different types of mental health conditions and person-centred care planning
- Mental Health First Aid (two days): recognising mental health conditions, responding safely in a crisis and signposting people to the right support
Sources: NHS, Eating disorders overview; NICE, Eating disorders: recognition and treatment (NG69); Beat, About eating disorders. Correct as of 16 September 2026.
