Our insights

Breaking the silence: understanding eating disorders

27th February 2025 / Written by Harbor London

Eating Disorders Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to bring forward discussion the complexities of eating disorders and their impact on mental and physical wellbeing. These serious mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, at any time¹.

Eating disorders are multifaceted conditions influenced by societal pressures, psychological vulnerabilities, and relational dynamics. Research has identified numerous contributing factors, including; genetics, childhood trauma, personality traits, and social influences, as well as comorbid mental health conditions which can amplify the severity of symptoms². In the UK alone, at least 1.25 million people live with an eating disorder, equating to 1 in 50 individuals¹. Yet, many struggle to recognise the signs or seek help¹.

There are, however, factors – such as heightened societal pressures, the prevalence of appearance-focused social media and attainment of higher education – that can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder²; each being very common for those in high socioeconomic circles^3-5. Addressing these complexities requires personalised recovery approaches, emphasising discretion and understanding to achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes⁶.

The perfection paradox: the intersection of success and body image

Conscientiousness is a personality trait consistently associated with success⁷. It can often define some of the wealthiest individuals; studies show that those who test high in conscientiousness are more likely to achieve better grades and earn higher salaries⁷. However, one significant component of conscientiousness is perfectionism, which, while driving success, can also have unintended consequences⁷. Research highlights that perfectionism can be both a risk factor and a maintaining factor for eating disorders⁸, particularly in high-pressure environments. This is since desire for flawlessness throughout one’s life can intersect with body image concerns, amplifying or contributing to disordered eating behaviours.

This can be further amplified for highly successful individuals in public-facing roles, where professional success is frequently tied to a certain appearance. Those in the fashion industry, for example, often face stringent body standards that lead to restrictive eating and psychological strain, with some describing their objectified and degraded experiences as feeling “like a piece of meat”, where food restriction can almost be glamorised⁹. In the upper echelons of social circles, expectations to maintain a polished image can be equally intense, with individuals sometimes spending up to £4,000 a month on their health and aesthetics in a way that ‘tweaks and perfects’¹⁰.

For those with significant financial resources, ready access to cosmetic surgeries, restrictive diet plans, and personal trainers can unintentionally exacerbate unhealthy behaviours. While these tools are marketed as solutions to achieve a healthy or ‘ideal’ appearance, they can deepen perfectionist tendencies, reinforcing a cycle of dissatisfaction and control. These services often fail to address the psychological roots of body image concerns, creating a veneer of improvement while underlying issues remain unaddressed.

In these environments, disordered eating can be further perpetuated by secrecy and stigma. Vulnerability is often equated with weakness, making it challenging for individuals to seek help. Social and professional expectations demand perfection, leading to isolation and a reluctance to disclose struggles. The result is an ecosystem where eating disorders thrive in silence, further hidden by the outward appearance of success and control.

Understanding the links between body image and perfectionism is crucial to addressing the hidden toll these pressures can take.

Root causes – beyond food and weight

Eating disorders are seldom just about food or weight; they are deeply rooted in complex emotional, cultural, and relational factors. For many, disordered eating behaviours serve as coping mechanisms for deeper struggles, offering a temporary sense of control in otherwise overwhelming circumstances. This concept of control has long been central to the understanding of eating disorders, but it is vital to approach this with nuance¹¹. Research suggests that control issues are not inherently a cause but often coexist with underlying challenges, such as trauma¹² or environmental influences¹¹. Recognising these connections reframes the narrative, shifting from blame to understanding.

Trauma – whether personal, generational¹³, or shaped by family dynamics¹⁴ – can frequently implicated in disordered eating. For example, family environments where achievement or appearance is overly emphasised can subtly perpetuate perfectionistic or restrictive behaviours. Social pressures within elite circles can amplify these dynamics, as spouses, advisors, or peers may unknowingly enable harmful behaviours.

While eating disorders across all demographics share common triggers, the context for high-profile individuals can differs. For instance, where financial barriers may limit access to care for those in lower socioeconomic groups, individuals in elite circles may face challenges tied to reputation, societal judgment, or enabling social networks. Both are challenging but, importantly, are also very distinct.

Understanding the motivations behind disordered eating is key to crafting effective recovery strategies. Tailored approaches that account for individual experiences and goals are essential to fostering emotional health in recovery.

True wellness means rethinking recovery

True wellness goes beyond addressing surface symptoms; it involves a balanced approach that integrates empathy and accountability. For many, eating disorders may stem from deeply personal motivations, such as a genuine desire to achieve a certain appearance. Recovery, therefore, must respect these complexities while fostering healthy behaviours and mindsets.

A whole-person recovery approach focuses on physical, mental, and emotional health, addressing the root causes of disordered eating alongside its visible effects. This includes helping individuals rebuild their relationships with food, body image, and self-worth. By empowering clients with the tools to navigate their unique challenges, recovery becomes a sustainable journey rather than a temporary solution.

Family systems therapy can play a vital role in this process. For individuals where family dynamics often carry additional weight, this approach encourages understanding and unity. It brings families together to address misconceptions, provide support, and create a cohesive environment for recovery.

True wellness is not about imposing a standard definition of health but about guiding individuals to find their version of a balanced, fulfilling life.