The prevalence of eating disorders in the UK continues to rise, with at least 1.25 million individuals affected, according to estimates from Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity. Some surveys suggest that up to 7.5% of the population may show signs of these conditions, underlining a growing public health concern.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week, running from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, is highlighting the issue, with experts examining contributing factors such as the influence of social media on body image, recognising warning signs and improving access to timely support.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions in which unhealthy patterns around eating, exercise and weight control take over a person’s life. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other forms of disordered eating. These illnesses can severely affect emotional, mental, and physical health and often require professional treatment for recovery.
Common warning signs include a persistent preoccupation with weight, body shape or appearance, as well as strict food rules about what, when or how much to eat. Some individuals may engage in self induced vomiting or misuse laxatives in an attempt to control weight, while others exercise excessively or compulsively with the sole aim of burning calories rather than for enjoyment or general health.
People may begin avoiding social situations involving food, become increasingly irritable or anxious, or withdraw from friends and family. Sleep disturbances are also common. Physical symptoms can include digestive problems, weight fluctuations, feeling cold, fatigue, and dizziness, often resulting from nutritional deficiencies or prolonged strain on the body.
Experts say social media can contribute to both the development and worsening of eating disorders, particularly among adolescents and young people. Users are frequently exposed to unrealistic body ideals, dangerous diet advice and unqualified health content. This environment can encourage comparison, body dissatisfaction and shame around food choices.
Lee Hawker Lecesne, clinical programme director at The Cabin, a drug and alcohol rehab centre in Thailand, said: “Social media can affect well-being: The impact on mental health is multifaceted, encompassing impaired sleep, cyber victimisation, and social comparison. Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can affect anyone, no matter what gender, age, background, or ethnicity. This is a human issue, and left untreated, can result in serious long-term consequences. More awareness and education are needed to combat media-fueled stereotypes and encourage early intervention.”
Research supports these concerns, linking frequent social media use to increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours, partly due to exposure to idealised images and harmful content.
Professional support may be needed if someone experiences persistent guilt or shame around eating, a strong preoccupation with being thinner, eating in secret or isolation, or frequent weighing at least once a day. Warning signs can also include skipping meals to control weight, exercising more than once daily to burn calories, or vomiting after eating.
These behaviours often develop gradually and can become entrenched before their impact on daily life is fully recognised. Early intervention significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Those concerned should seek help promptly. The first step is usually contacting a general practitioner (GP), who can refer patients to specialist services, therapy or additional support. Beat also provides helplines and resources for immediate guidance.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week aims to reinforce that these conditions affect people across all backgrounds. Experts say raising awareness, challenging stigma and encouraging early help seeking are key to addressing the growing problem.