In the UK, there is a nationally recognised Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) each year — raising understanding and reducing stigma about eating disorders across communities.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (UK)

23 February – 1 March 2026.

This is an annual national awareness campaign led by Beat, the UK’s major eating disorder charity. This year’s theme is ‘Fighting for Change, Committed to Change’.

It aims to educate the public about eating disorders, break down myths and stigma, and encourage people to talk about experiences and seek support.

What is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition where someone’s relationship with food, eating, body image, or weight becomes distressing and harmful to their health and daily life. It’s not about “willpower” or just being on a diet—it’s about patterns of thoughts and behaviours that can take over someone’s life.

What that can look like

Eating disorders can show up in different ways, but often involve:

• Restricting food (eating very little, skipping meals)
• Binge eating (feeling out of control around food)
• Purging behaviours (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise)
• Intense fear of weight gain or preoccupation with body shape
• Food rules or rituals that feel hard to break

Common types (in simple terms)

• Anorexia nervosa – severe restriction of food, intense fear of gaining weight
• Bulimia nervosa – cycles of binge eating and purging
• Binge Eating Disorder – frequent binge eating without purging
• ARFID – very limited eating due to sensory issues, fear of choking, etc. (not about weight or shape)

However, it’s not “just about food”…………

Eating disorders are often connected to:

Anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism or feeling out of control or wanting to cope with difficult emotions

So, food and weight can become a way to try to manage those feelings.

It’s important to take it seriously as eating disorders can affect:

• The heart, digestion, hormones, bones
• Concentration, mood, relationships

They’re treatable, especially with early support—but they’re serious and deserve care.

🎯 Purpose & Themes

The campaigns in EDAW highlights that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect people regardless of age, gender, background or body size.

A recent theme has been: “eating disorders can affect anyone” — emphasising that stereotypes (e.g., that they only affect young women) are misleading and harmful.

Organisations and communities use the week to share resources, personal stories, educational events, support information, and advocacy messages.

💬 Why It Matters

In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are estimated to be living with an eating disorder, though the real number may be higher.

Awareness efforts help people recognise signs and symptoms, understand available support, and challenge the stigma that can stop people from reaching out.

💡 How to Get Involved or Support

Share reliable information on social media; use hashtags like #EDAW2026 or similar during the week.

Attend or organise local discussions, school/workplace awareness sessions, or fundraising events.

Connect people with Beat and other UK support organisations for help, information or referral support.

The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat

Useful contacts for support | Eating problems - Mind

First Steps ED | Eating Disorder Support & Recovery Charity