An eating disorder is a serious mental health issue involving disordered eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. It often includes extreme concerns about body weight, shape, and food.

• Anorexia nervosa • Bulimia nervosa • Binge eating disorder (BED) • Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) • Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

A combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. These can include genetics, trauma, perfectionism, low self-esteem, media influence, and more.

Yes, eating disorders affect people of all genders, though they may present differently or be underdiagnosed in men.

If you're obsessing over food, weight, or body image, or engaging in harmful behaviors like restricting, bingeing, or purging, you may have an eating disorder. A mental health professional can provide a diagnosis.

Yes- that’s actually very common. Eating disorders are about behaviors and thoughts, not just weight. Many people with serious eating disorders are not underweight.

Skipping meals, excessive exercise, food rituals, secrecy about eating, drastic weight changes, mood swings, or body dissatisfaction.

If your relationship with food or your body is interfering with your life, health, or happiness, it’s worth seeking help—even if you don’t think it’s “bad enough.”

It often includes therapy (CBT, DBT, or family-based), nutritional counseling, medical monitoring, and sometimes medication.

Full recovery can be possible, though it may take time and support. Many people go on to live fulfilling lives after recovery. There are also people who may not get fully well from the eating disorder, and a therapist can help them manage their eating disorder better, to live as healthy as possible if they are not fully able to recover.

No. Recovery often involves ups and downs. Setbacks don’t mean failure—they’re a part of the process.

Relapse can be part of recovery. It’s important to seek support quickly and reflect on what triggered it.

Disordered eating often involves distorted beliefs about food and self-worth. Guilt is a common but treatable symptom.

Choose someone you trust. Be honest and direct, and consider writing it down if speaking feels too hard.

Be nonjudgmental, encourage them to seek professional help, avoid comments about food/body, and educate yourself on eating disorders.

A therapist, doctor, school counselor, or a helpline. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to reach out.

Yes. For example, in the U.S., the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers support via call or text. To call the helpline: 800-931-2237 To text the helpline: Text NEDA to 741741(for crisis support via Crisis text line)

Some people improve without formal treatment, but professional help significantly increases the chances of full recovery and reduces health risks.

It varies by person. It can take months or years, but every step forward matters.

No. Recovery is possible at any age and stage.