How Eating Disorders Affect Loved Ones: Understanding the Ripple Effect
- Deborah Gillard
- May 18
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that extend beyond the individual. It profoundly impacts families, friends, partners, and communities; especially in western societies. The emotional, psychological, and practical challenges can be overwhelming for those who support loved ones suffering from eating issues.
This article explores, with evidence-based research, how eating disorders can affect loved ones, the importance of support systems, and how therapy can support both individuals and their supporters/caregivers. It also includes a list of resources and support for carers - see Where to get help as a carer (UK).
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders encompass a range of conditions characterised by disordered eating habits. Common types include (for exhaustive list, please see Beat website):
Anorexia nervosa: Characterised by weight loss, difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight, and often a distorted body image.
Bulimia nervosa: Involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Binge-eating disorder: Marked by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Involves limitations in the amount and/or types of food consumed, but does not involve distress about body shape or size.
In the UK, the prevalence of eating disorders has been rapidly rising. NHS data revealed that the number of children receiving treatment for eating disorders doubled over eight years. Estimates suggest that almost 1 million people in the UK currently have an eating disorder (this number is very likely an underestimate as it is based on hospital admission data only). Eating disorders can develop at any age, but the risk of onset is highest for adolescents and young adults [2].
The Critical Role of Support Networks in Eating Disorder Recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder is a multifaceted process that extends beyond individual treatment. A robust support network, encompassing family, friends, and caregivers, significantly enhances the likelihood of successful recovery.
Equally important is the well-being of caregivers themselves; their mental health directly influences their capacity to provide effective support.
Research underscores the positive influence of strong support systems on eating disorder recovery. A systematic review by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust examined 28 studies and found that interventions aimed at supporting carers not only improved their well-being but also contributed to better outcomes for individuals with eating disorders [3].
Emotional and Psychological Impact on Loved Ones
Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally taxing. Loved ones often experience:
Guilt and self-blame: Questioning if they could have prevented the disorder.
Anxiety and depression: Due to the stress of caregiving and fear for the individual's health.
Frustration and helplessness: Feeling powerless to effect change or access timely treatment.
Social isolation: Caregivers can feel socially isolated from their friends, family and even health professionals. This can be due to them choosing to isolate themselves to manage the situation or due to feeling excluded by others. This leads to caregivers being deprived from sharing the burden of having a very sick loved one, depleting their own limited coping resources.
A study found that caregivers of individuals with eating disorders often experience significant psychological distress, comparable to that of the patients themselves [4].
Strain on Family and Relationships
Eating disorders can disrupt family dynamics and strain relationships:
Parental challenges: Parents may struggle to balance care for the affected child with attention to other family members.
Sibling impact: Siblings might feel neglected or develop resentment due to the attention focused on the affected individual.
Romantic relationships: Partners may face difficulties related to intimacy, communication, and shared responsibilities.
Research indicates that families often experience role conflicts and increased stress levels, which can affect overall family functioning. A study reported that family members either got unified through the challenging and tenuous process of supporting their loved one, or they pulled apart, affecting the marriage but also social interactions within the family [5].
Social and Community-Level Effects
Beyond the immediate family, eating disorders can affect broader social circles:
Friendships: Friends may feel unsure how to provide support or may withdraw due to discomfort.
Educational settings: Teachers and peers might notice changes in behaviour or academic performance, leading to concern or misunderstanding.
Workplaces: Colleagues may observe absenteeism or decreased productivity, impacting team dynamics.
Stigma and lack of awareness can further isolate individuals and their families, making community support crucial.
Financial and Practical Implications
The financial burden of eating disorders can be substantial:
Treatment costs: Private therapy, nutritional counselling, and medical care can be expensive. In the UK, long waiting times for NHS treatment have led some families to seek private care, increasing financial strain.
Loss of income: Caregivers may reduce work hours or leave employment to provide care.
Additional expenses: Travel for treatment, special dietary needs, and other related costs add up.
Positive Outcomes Through Recovery
While the journey can be challenging, recovery is possible, and positive changes can emerge:
Strengthened relationships: Families often develop deeper bonds through shared experiences.
Increased awareness: Loved ones become more attuned to mental health issues, fostering empathy and understanding.
Advocacy and support: Some individuals and families choose to support others facing similar challenges, contributing to community awareness.
Early intervention and comprehensive support systems are key to facilitating recovery and mitigating long-term impacts.
The Role of Therapy for Supporters/Caregivers
Individuals with eating disorders are more likely to recover if they have a strong support network. This is why loved ones' mental health and wellbeing are crucial to consider within the eating disorder recovery.
Interventions such as therapy or psychoeducation for caregivers have been shown to lead to reductions in distress and feeling of burden, as well as improvements in their ability to provide support to their loved one [6 & 7].
Therefore, therapy isn't only beneficial for individuals with eating disorders; it also supports those around them:
Individual therapy for caregivers: Helps process emotions, develop coping strategies, and prevent burnout.
Family therapy: Addresses communication patterns, resolves conflicts, and fosters a supportive environment.
Support groups: Provide a space to share experiences, gain insights, and feel less isolated.
[For resources, information and support list, please see Where to get help as a carer (UK) section of this article]
Conclusion
Eating disorders profoundly affect not only the individuals experiencing them but also their loved ones. Understanding the multifaceted impact and seeking appropriate support can make a significant difference, both for the carers' mental health/wellbeing but also for the individual they support.
I am open to new clients!
I specialise in supporting people who care for/support their loved one who suffers from an eating disorder. Get in touch to book a free phone consultation or an initial session.
Where to Get Help as a Carer (UK)?
Beat – Beating Eating Disorders
Online Support Groups (POD): Regularly scheduled sessions providing peer support.
Helpline Services: Available for immediate assistance.
Training:
Developing Dolphins: A free online training course for personal carers.
Harnessing Hope: 5 weekly online workshops for those supporting someone with an enduring eating disorder (one that has been consistently present for five or more years).
Endeavour: 8x 90-minute group sessions for anyone caring for a young person (5-15) with ARFID.
Coaching programmes:
Anchor: 12 weeks online support for carers of young people with ARFID.
Nexus: 12 weeks one-to-one support sessions for anyone who is caring for a loved on with an eating disorder.
HelpFinder Tool: An online directory to locate local support.
For more information, visit Beat's Support for Carers.
BACP - British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Search for therapists in your area. Visit bacp.co.uk.
Carers Direct
An NHS Service for carers. Visit nhs.uk/carersdirect or call their helpline on 0300 123 1053.
Carers Trust
A charity offering support for carers. Visit carers.org.
Carers UK
A charity supporting carers. Visit carersuk.org or call their helpline on 0808 808 7777.
Childline
A charity offering support to children and young people, including young carers. Visit childline.org.uk or call their helpline on 0800 1111.
Citizens Advice Bureau
For enquiries about legal rights and responsibilities, benefits for carers, and financial advice. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk.
FEAST
Resources and support for those caring for a loved one with an eating disorder. Visit feast-ed.org.
Mind
Information and support for anyone affected by mental health issues. Visit mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
The NICE guidelines on the treatment the person you’re caring for is entitled to. Visit nice.org.uk.
Rethink
Information and support for anyone affected by mental health issues. Visit rethink.org or call 0300 5000 927.
[This is not an exhaustive list; it might be worth researching for support in your local area, from the NHS and/or private organisations]
References
[1] List of eating disorders - Beat website: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/
[3] Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. (2022). A systematic review of the impact of carer interventions on outcomes for patients with eating disorders. Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 27, 1953-1962.
[4] Kyriacou, O., Treasure, J., and Schmidt, U., (2008). Eating disorders and caregiving. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 41(3), 203-212.
[5] Hillege, S., Beale, B. and McMaster, R., (2006). Impact of eating disorders on family life: Individual parents’ stories. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 15, 1016-1022.
[6] Hibbs R., Rhind C., Leppanen J., and Treasure J., (2015). Interventions for caregivers of someone with an eating disorder: a meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord, 48(4), 349-361.
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