Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2026: How Clinicians Can Identify, Support and Care for Patients

Eating Disorder Awareness Week (23 February – 1 March 2026) is a crucial moment for healthcare professionals to strengthen early detection, challenge stigma, and improve outcomes for people affected by eating disorders.

Across the UK, many individuals living with eating disorders remain undiagnosed or present late to services. Clinicians in primary care, community settings, and acute environments are often the first point of contact — making clinical awareness and confidence essential.

At Skin Shield Scrubs, we recognise the complex emotional and clinical demands placed on healthcare professionals supporting vulnerable patients. This awareness week is an opportunity not only to support patients, but also to support the clinicians delivering that care.

Why Eating Disorder Awareness Week Matters in 2026

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions with significant physical health risks. Despite increased awareness, delays in recognition remain common in UK healthcare settings.

Key UK Statistics

• Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder

• Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness

• Many patients wait months or years before seeking help

• Referrals for children and young people have risen significantly in recent years

• Binge Eating Disorder is believed to be the most common eating disorder

These figures highlight why clinician vigilance during Eating Disorder Awareness Week — and throughout the year — is so important.

Understanding the Main Types of Eating Disorders

Accurate recognition begins with understanding how different eating disorders may present in clinical practice. Many patients do not fit traditional stereotypes.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterised by persistent restriction of energy intake, intense fear of weight gain, and disturbance in body image.

Clinical features

• Significant restriction of food intake

• Rapid or sustained weight loss

• Distorted body image

• Possible excessive exercise

• Bradycardia or hypotension

Clinical insight: Patients may appear medically stable despite high physiological risk.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain.

Common signs clinicians may observe

• Dental enamel erosion

• Parotid gland swelling

• Gastrointestinal complaints with normal investigations

• Russell’s sign on knuckles

• Weight often within typical range

Because weight may appear normal, bulimia nervosa is frequently missed in primary care.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge Eating Disorder is the most prevalent eating disorder and involves recurrent binge eating without regular compensatory behaviours.

Key indicators

• Eating large quantities rapidly

• Feeling loss of control during eating

• Eating when not physically hungry

• Marked distress after episodes

Patients often present in weight management, diabetes, or mental health services rather than specialist eating disorder pathways.

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

ARFID involves restricted intake without body image concerns, making it clinically distinct from other eating disorders.

Clinical presentation

• Sensory-based food avoidance

• Fear of choking or vomiting

• Limited food range

• Nutritional deficiencies

• More common in neurodivergent populations

Important distinction: ARFID is not driven by weight or shape concerns.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

OSFED includes clinically significant eating disorders that do not meet full diagnostic criteria for other conditions but still carry serious risk.

Examples

• Atypical anorexia nervosa

• Subthreshold bulimia nervosa

• Purging disorder

• Night eating syndrome

Key reminder for clinicians: Treat the risk and symptoms — not just the diagnostic label.

Early Warning Signs Clinicians Should Watch For

Many patients present with subtle or non-specific symptoms. Maintaining a high index of suspicion is essential.

Physical Red Flags

• Rapid weight change

• Persistent fatigue or dizziness

• Gastrointestinal complaints

• Menstrual irregularities

• Dental changes

• Recurrent fainting

Behavioural Indicators

• Food avoidance rituals

• Frequent bathroom use after meals

• Excessive exercise

• Anxiety around weigh-ins

• Wearing consistently loose clothing

Psychological Clues

• Perfectionism

• Social withdrawal

• Mood changes

• Heightened anxiety around food

How Clinicians Can Support Patients: Step-by-Step

Early, compassionate intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Step 1: Create Psychological Safety

Patients are more likely to disclose concerns when consultations feel calm and non-judgmental.

Best practice

• Use neutral, stigma-free language

• Avoid unnecessary focus on weight

• Ensure privacy during consultations

• Maintain open, supportive body language

Step 2: Use Gentle Screening Questions

Open-ended questions can help start supportive conversations.

Examples

• “How have things been with eating recently?”

• “Have you noticed any changes in appetite or patterns?”

• “How is your energy day to day?”

Validated tool: SCOFF questionnaire can support screening when concerns arise.

Step 3: Monitor Physical Risk

Where an eating disorder is suspected, clinicians should consider:

• Blood tests

• Electrolyte monitoring

• ECG if indicated

• Careful weight trend monitoring

• Physical observations

Step 4: Refer Early and Follow Up

Early referral improves recovery outcomes.

Clinical actions

• Refer to specialist eating disorder services

• Involve multidisciplinary teams

• Arrange follow-up appointments

• Document concerns clearly

Supporting Clinician Wellbeing During Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Caring for patients with eating disorders can be emotionally demanding. Healthcare professionals may experience:

• Compassion fatigue

• Emotional strain

• Burnout

• Secondary trauma

Creating supportive working environments is essential for sustainable, high-quality patient care.

Skin Shield Scrubs Supports Healthcare Professionals

At Skin Shield Scrubs, we understand that clinicians delivering sensitive care need to feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout demanding shifts.

During Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2026, we proudly:

• Support awareness across healthcare communities

• Champion stigma-free, compassionate care

• Recognise the emotional labour of frontline staff

• Promote clinician wellbeing in challenging environments

When clinicians feel supported in their workwear and workplace, they can focus fully on what matters most — patient care.

How Your Practice Can Mark Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2026

Healthcare teams can take meaningful action during the awareness week.

In Clinical Settings

• Display awareness materials in waiting areas

• Review screening pathways

• Share referral information with staff

• Hold short clinical briefings

Online and Community

• Share evidence-based content

• Promote early help messages

• Highlight local support services

• Encourage stigma-free language

Key Takeaways for Clinicians

• Eating disorders are serious and potentially life-threatening

• Many patients do not fit traditional stereotypes

• Early detection significantly improves outcomes

• Clinicians play a central role in identification and referral

• Eating Disorder Awareness Week (23 Feb – 1 March 2026) is a key opportunity to strengthen practice

• Skin Shield Scrubs proudly supports healthcare professionals delivering compassionate care

For further clinical information, review the official NHS guidance on eating disorders: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/

For support those suffering from eating disorders https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/