*Trigger Warning: mentions of eating disorders.*
This week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week – a week-long campaign from 24 February – 2 March that aims to shed light on the complexities of eating disorders.
Did you know 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, which can affect them in many ways? Anyone of any size, age, identity, ethnicity and background can experience this struggle and is increasingly common amongst university-age students in the UK. Around 10% to 20% of female students and 4% to 10% of male students suffer from an eating disorder (Kutest Kids, 2025).
Eating disorders are often misunderstood, wrapped up in myths that can make it harder for people to get the support they need. Time to bust some common misconceptions!
- Myth #1: Eating disorders are just about food
Nope. It’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about what’s going on in the mind. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve emotions, behaviours and deep-rooted struggles
- Myth #2: You can tell someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them
Not true. Eating disorders don’t have a “look.” They affect people of all body shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be underweight to be struggling. Every experience is valid.
- Myth #3: It’s just a ‘phase’—people grow out of it
Eating disorders aren’t fussy eaters or teenage rebellion. They’re serious conditions that require proper care, support, and recovery strategies. Recovery is possible and help is out there.
- Myth #4: Only women get eating disorders
Eating disorders don’t discriminate. They can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or background. Men, non-binary people, and transgender individuals can and do struggle too.
- Myth #5: Just eat more / eat less and it’ll be fine
If only it was that simple. Eating disorders aren’t choices. Telling someone to how to eat ignores the psychological and emotional factors at play. Recovery isn’t about willpower—it’s about getting the right help.
- Myth #6: Social media causes eating disorders
Social media can contribute to negative body image, but eating disorders are caused by a mix of genetic, psychological and environmental factors.
Transitioning to university life presents so many exciting opportunities but also challenges - whether that's moving to a new city, forming new relationships or introducing yourself to new routines and lifestyles. We understand it can be overwhelming at times.
If you think that you might be struggling with your eating, remember that it's okay not to be okay. And more importantly, it’s ALWAYS ok to reach out for help. The journey to recovery can be challenging but achievable with the right support. Below, we've listed a few support services you can utilise:
- Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group: Open to anybody who has difficulties with food and/or body image. Overseen by eating difficulty specialists to help you develop the necessary tools and techniques to manage your condition.
- Wellbeing Services: Run by the University, the wellbeing team supports students with a range of psychological therapies, workshops and self-help services to support you while you’re studying.
- Guild Wellbeing Hub: Access resources, events and services to support you and your health and wellbeing at University.
- Exeter Nightline: A helpline run by students for students, it is available 8pm to 8am during term time to listen to anything you’d like to talk about.
- Library Guides: The library has a whole range of guides, books and resources to help with your mental health and wellbeing.
- Beat Eating Disorders: A charity dedicated to providing resources from self-help guides to GP forms, chatrooms to help you connect to people who share your situation, and a helpline to offer you free confidential advice when you need it most.
- How to help someone with an eating disorder: If a friend or relative has an eating disorder, it can be difficult to know what to do to help them recover. Access this helpful NHS resource for advice and guidance.
- Self-help NHS guide: Work through this online guide at your own pace to help you understand your personal causes, effects and next steps.
Remember, it’s okay not to be okay. We’re here to support you – it's okay to ask for help.
Your Students’ Guild