Eating disorders aren’t always visible. Some warning signs may include:

• Changes in eating habits (restriction, binge eating, compensatory behaviours such as vomiting or excessive exercise).
• Extreme concern about weight, body image, or calories.
• Social withdrawal, mood changes, irritability, or anxiety around food.
• Unexplained physical symptoms (dizziness, weakness, sudden weight loss or gain).

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to seek professional help. Early diagnosis improves the outlook.

The most important thing is not to judge or minimize the situation. Some guidelines for offering support include:

✔ Approach them out of genuine concern, without commenting on their body or eating habits.

✔ Listen without interrupting or offering quick fixes.

✔ Offer help in finding professional care.

✔ Avoid phrases like “just eat properly” or “but your weight is fine”.

If the person refuses help, remain available without pressuring them. Eating disorders often cause a great deal of fear and shame.

No. Although they are often socially associated with adolescent girls, eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or cultural background. Men, non-binary people, and adults can also develop them, though they may take longer to be diagnosed due to stereotypes.

Treatment is multidisciplinary and depends on each case. It may include:

• Psychological support: Evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
• Nutritional support: A non-diet approach, focusing on health and reconnecting with hunger and fullness cues.
• Psychiatric support: If necessary, in cases of depression, anxiety, or other co-occurring conditions.
• Medical monitoring: To assess physical health and prevent complications.

Not all cases require hospitalisation; many people recover with appropriate outpatient treatment.

Yes, recovery is possible. It can be a long process with ups and downs, but with the right treatment and support, many people are able to improve their relationship with food and their bodies.

✔ Offer company without pressure – recovery takes time.

✔ Avoid talking about diets, weight, or bodies.

✔ Respect the person’s pace and process.

✔ Provide emotional support during difficult moments.

It’s very common for someone with an ED to deny they have a problem or to refuse help. This can be due to fear, shame, or the sense of control their eating disorder gives them. While we can’t force them into treatment, we can offer loving and steady support.

Some helpful strategies:

✔ Express your concern without judgement. Instead of saying “you need to eat”, try “I’m worried about how you’ve been feeling lately”.

✔ Avoid talking about their body or eating habits. Comments about appearance can reinforce their fears or denial.

✔ Be patient and consistent. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t accept help immediately – remain available.

✔ Seek support for yourself too. Supporting someone with an ED can be challenging; talking to professionals or support groups can help you sustain the process.

✔ If there’s a serious risk (extreme weight loss, fainting, suicidal thoughts, etc.), seek urgent professional help.

Refusing help doesn’t mean the person will never accept treatment. Sometimes, the first step is showing them they’re not alone.

In Argentina, health insurers and prepaid medical providers are required to cover eating disorder treatment, as they are recognised as an illness under the Mental Health Law (26.657) and the Obesity and Eating Disorders Law (26.396).

If coverage is denied, you can file a claim backed by the law. You can find more detailed information in our guide.