Supporting Employees Struggling with Eating Disorders

By Anastasia Kelly

February 26, 2025

Balancing work, personal commitments, and health can often feel like a daunting task. For some individuals, these pressures manifest as eating disorders, which significantly affect both their physical and mental well-being. Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a time to reflect on the importance of understanding these conditions, recognising the signs, and offering support in the workplace.

Now, it’s more vital than ever for employers to be aware of how eating disorders impact employees. According to the latest research, 1.25 million people in the UK struggle with eating disorders, with a noticeable rise in cases among young adults and men. Yet, many still suffer in silence, making it crucial for employers to be proactive in spotting signs and providing support.

What Is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a complex mental health condition in which an individual uses food or eating behaviours to cope with feelings or stress. This can include excessive dieting, overeating, or unhealthy focus on body weight or food. It’s not just about the physical act of eating but also the emotional and psychological impacts that accompany it.

Who Is Affected by Eating Disorders?

While eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background, studies show that they are more prevalent in people aged 13 to 25. Alarmingly, recent reports show that the number of men seeking treatment for eating disorders has risen by 50% in the past five years, yet they often remain underdiagnosed.

Eating disorders are not confined to any one group and can affect people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.

Common Symptoms of an Eating Disorder

Recognising the symptoms of an eating disorder can be challenging as individuals often go to great lengths to hide their struggles. However, there are both behavioural and physical signs to watch out for:

Behavioural signs might include:

Constant preoccupation with weight, body shape, or food
Avoiding social situations involving food
Over-exercising
Eating in secrecy or binge eating
Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
Wearing loose clothing to conceal body shape

Physical symptoms can include:

Drastic weight loss or gain
Dizziness, fatigue, or feeling cold often
Digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea
Irregular or missed periods
Rapid heart rate

Types of Eating Disorders

The most common types of eating disorders are:

Anorexia nervosa – characterised by extreme food restriction and intense fear of weight gain
Bulimia nervosa – cycles of overeating followed by purging behaviours like vomiting or excessive exercise
Binge-eating disorder (BED) – frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, followed by distress

Causes of Eating Disorders

There is no single cause for eating disorders, but they often arise from a combination of genetic, psychological, and social factors.

Some factors that increase the risk include:

A history of eating disorders in the family
Trauma, such as sexual abuse
Being in professions with high body image pressure (e.g. modelling, ballet, athletics)
Low self-esteem or anxiety

How to Approach a Conversation About Eating Disorders

If you suspect an employee is struggling with an eating disorder, approaching the subject requires sensitivity.

Choose the right setting: Ensure the conversation is private, calm, and free from distractions.
Express concern: Use empathetic, non-judgmental language that focuses on your concern for their well-being.
Listen actively: Let the employee share their thoughts and feelings without interrupting or offering solutions right away.
Offer support: Reassure them that seeking help is okay and that you will assist them in finding the right resources.
Respect confidentiality: Protect their privacy, ensuring that any information shared is kept confidential unless they decide otherwise.

How Employers Can Provide Support

Supporting employees with eating disorders is an ongoing process that demands patience, understanding, and open communication.

Flexible Working Arrangements: Offering flexibility around work hours or time off for treatment appointments can be invaluable for employees undergoing treatment.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Encourage employees to use EAPs, which often offer counselling services, including therapy for eating disorders.
Training for Managers: Equip managers with the skills to recognise the signs of eating disorders and provide compassionate responses.
Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a culture where employees feel safe discussing mental health concerns, knowing they won’t be judged or penalised.
Management Referral Services: Our Management Referral service is available for employers who are concerned about an employee’s well-being. By referring an employee to our specialists, we can provide a tailored assessment and offer expert guidance on reasonable adjustments and support options. This service ensures that employees get the help they need, while also enabling employers to manage workplace needs with sensitivity and understanding.

Charities to Reach Out To

If an employee discloses that they are struggling with an eating disorder, refer them to trusted organisations that offer support, such as:

Beat: The UK’s leading eating disorder charity, providing helplines and support for individuals and their families.
The National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED): Offers treatment options and resources.
The Laurence Trust: A charity focused on raising awareness of eating disorders in men and offering support.

Recognising and addressing eating disorders in the workplace is crucial to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and mentally healthy environment. Employers can make a significant difference in their employees’ lives by offering empathy, resources, and flexibility.

As we observe Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2025, let’s commit to supporting our teams through awareness, education, and open conversations about mental health.

If you’re concerned about an employee and would like to refer them for specialised support, please get in touch with our team. Together, we can help employees overcome eating disorders and embark on their journey to recovery.