When you think of someone with an eating disorder, does a specific image come to mind—perhaps a young, thin woman? If so, you’re not alone. Many people carry unconscious biases about who struggles with eating disorders, often overlooking the reality that these conditions affect people of all genders, ages, and body types.
That’s why the theme for World Eating Disorders Action Day 2025 is “Break the Bias, Support Families.” This year’s focus highlights how common misconceptions can not only prevent individuals from getting the help they need but also make it harder for families to find understanding and support.
At Cottonwood in Tucson, Arizona, we specialize in treating individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions, including secondary eating disorders. We understand that an eating disorder’s severity can’t be measured by appearance alone—it’s far more complex than that.
What We Think We Know
The World Eating Disorders Action Day Webpage shared a blog, gearing up for June 2nd, when this annual observance occurs. The blog quotes Dr. Eva Trujillo-ChiVacuan, who mentions that patients with eating disorders may not get the treatment they need because they don’t outwardly look as sick as expected. Patients are told that they are too heavy to have an eating disorder, parents are blamed for their child’s condition, and people feel like they cannot get the help they or their loved ones need. She recommends forgetting what we think we know about eating disorders and ensuring we approach from a place of listening, empathy, and compassion.
How You Can Support People with Eating Disorders and Their Families
World Eating Disorders Action Day is a powerful opportunity to help break the stigma surrounding eating disorders and offer real support to those affected. Here are several meaningful ways you can take part:
- Examine Your Own Biases
Many people unknowingly absorb harmful myths about eating disorders. Start by recognizing that these illnesses can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, body size, culture, or background.
- Learn to Recognize the Warning Signs
Eating disorders don’t always look the way you might expect. Be aware of signs such as:
- Preoccupation with food, calories, weight, or dieting
- Avoiding entire food groups, like carbs or fats
- Food rituals, such as chewing excessively, eating in a specific order, or rearranging food on the plate
- Avoidance of meals or making excuses not to eat
- Social withdrawal or loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Frequent mirror-checking or obsession with appearance
- Distorted self-image or exaggerated perception of flaws
- Mood swings or increased irritability
- Sudden weight changes, in either direction
- Physical symptoms, including digestive problems, unexplained fatigue or muscle weakness, changes in hair, skin, or nails, lab abnormalities like anemia, hormonal imbalances, or low potassium levels
- Understand Common Eating Disorders
Familiarize yourself with the most prevalent types:
- Anorexia nervosa. Characterized by extreme food restriction and a distorted body image, often leading to dangerously low body weight.
- Bulimia nervosa. Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting or laxatives.
- Binge-eating disorder. Involves frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food without purging. Unlike occasional overeating, this disorder happens regularly and often involves feelings of guilt or shame.
- Body dysmorphia. A mental health condition where a person becomes fixated on perceived physical flaws, often leading to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviors.
- Challenge Harmful Assumptions
Just because someone appears “healthy” or “attractive” doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling with an eating disorder. These illnesses often go unnoticed because of how society defines what someone “sick” should look like.
- Recognize Eating Disorders as Serious Illnesses
Eating disorders are not just about food. They are complex mental health conditions shaped by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications—including an increased risk of suicide.
- Promote Early Intervention
Early diagnosis and treatment can make recovery easier and more successful. If you notice someone struggling, encourage them to seek help and let them know they’re not alone.
- Share Accurate Information
Use your voice and your social media accounts to spread awareness. Share helpful resources, personal stories, and educational content to combat misinformation and support recovery.
At Cottonwood, we take eating disorders seriously and we treat them alongside the other behavioral health concerns that brought a patient to us, as part of a client’s whole-person care. We believe that a person’s mind, body, and spirit must all be nurtured to ensure that they can heal and move forward.
