I think my friend or family member has an eating disorder

First of all, congratulations for being aware of the signs and seeking help. The information on this page is designed for any friend, partner, family member, flatmate or colleague of someone who may have an eating disorder. Start by looking at the common questions and signs that may indicate your friend has an eating disorder. Remember not everyone will display all signs and it is possible we have missed some. An eating disorder is not just about losing or gaining weight; what's most important is the thoughts and feelings they have. And these can be the most difficult to see. The "signs" page gives a combination of physical and behavioural signs that will help you identify whether the person you are concerned about has an eating disorder.

If you are thinking about how to approach your friend or family member have a look at the how to help page - this gives practical advice on what to do and say. Just remember there is no one way or right way of doing this. You'll figure out what works best. What's most important is that you do something, and not just ignore the problem.

The services we provide page lets you know what will happen when you or your friend contacts us. Trying to understand someone with an eating disorder can be very difficult and no one expects you to get it right all of the time. Check out the personal stories section to learn the experiences of other people with eating disorders.

If after all of this information you're still in search of more, we've provided a list of recommended books for you to read. You are also welcome to click here to email us and discuss your needs. Good luck and don't forget to get support for yourself through this difficult time.