Eating Disorders Support Groups: A Safe Space For Eating Disorder Patients

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated October 10, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Eating disorders are mental health conditions in which a person exhibits abnormal or unhealthy behavior related to consuming and processing food. These disorders can lead to significant health consequences and can be difficult to treat, as many people with eating disorders tend to be resistant to treatment. However, support groups can be one way to connect people with eating disorders to others experiencing the same difficulties. Participating in support groups can aid in recovery, especially when attended alongside regular therapy appointments.

A group of adults sit in chairs in a therapy circle with a therapist.
Getty/FatCamera
Therapy can enhance the progress made in support groups

Common eating disorders

Below, learn about three of the most common types of eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, usually referred to as anorexia, is an eating disorder typically characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and severely restrictive eating behaviors to avoid weight gain. These behaviors often result in significant weight loss that can lead to hospitalization and may even be life-threatening. 

People with anorexia may view their disordered eating as a form of discipline or a way to experience a sense of control over their lives. They may have a distorted sense of body image in which they perceive themselves as overweight even if they are not. 

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa, typically shortened to bulimia, usually involves two distinct disordered eating behaviors: binging and purging. Binging generally involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time. Meanwhile, purging normally involves compensatory behaviors to address the impacts of the binge, like vomiting or misusing laxatives. 

People with bulimia may not experience the same dramatic weight loss as is frequently seen in people with anorexia, but they may develop a number of other health problems. 

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder can be similar to bulimia in that it usually involves episodes of binging, but it doesn’t typically involve the same compensatory behaviors after binges. Binge eating episodes may serve as a maladaptive coping mechanism to address negative emotions. 

People with binge eating disorder often sense they are out of control during their binges and believe they cannot stop eating. After a binge, they may experience intense guilt and shame.

A group of adults sit in chairs with a female therapist in a therapy cirlce.
Getty/Vladimir Vladimirov

What is the most serious eating disorder?

It may not be helpful to frame one eating disorder as more “serious” than another, as all eating disorders can take a significant toll on a person’s health and well-being. 

However, if seriousness is linked to fatality, anorexia could be considered the most serious eating disorder. A study from 2021 stated that anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder

How eating disorder support groups can help with treatment

Eating disorder treatment is usually multifaceted and highly individualized, meaning that what works well for one person may not be helpful for someone else. However, one intervention that can be helpful for eating disorder recovery is participation in eating disorder support groups. 

An eating disorder support group can provide a safe space for people with eating disorders to connect with other community members who are encountering similar challenges in their recovery journey. These peer support groups can help members validate each other’s emotions and discuss triggers that could lead to disordered eating behaviors.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), which claims to be “the largest peer support resource for eating disorders in the country,” a peer support group may be a more accessible way to receive eating disorder care. 

Why eating disorder support groups should be facilitated by a mental health professional

People with eating disorders may sometimes have difficulty recognizing that there is anything unhealthy about their eating behavior, often because they might be receiving positive feedback about their weight loss. This denial and lack of awareness may sometimes become problematic in a support group setting, especially if some participants continue to idealize weight loss and encourage unhealthy eating behaviors.

Mental health professionals can intervene in these situations and gently correct weight loss glorification and health misinformation. They can facilitate conversations in a way that is more productive for all participants and manage group dynamics so that everyone is able to benefit from the group setting. 

Additional mental health support for people with eating disorders

Eating disorder support groups can be a beneficial resource for people with eating disorders, but individualized therapeutic treatment is usually a necessary component of recovery.  

Two woman shug while sitting in a therapy curcle with other adults as they clap.
Getty/Phynart Studio
Therapy can enhance the progress made in support groups

Online therapy for eating disorders

People with eating disorders may experience intense shame and guilt about their conditions. It can be difficult to talk to a therapist if you are embarrassed about your symptoms. Online therapy may provide a sense of distance during the therapeutic interaction, which may help individuals with eating disorders become more comfortable talking about their experiences. 

Research suggests that online therapy could be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy at treating eating disorders. One study examined the results of an online therapeutic intervention for patients experiencing bulimia and found that the resulting symptom reduction was comparable to that of patients who attended therapy in person

Takeaway

There are several treatment options for eating disorders, including individualized therapy and eating disorder support groups. Support groups can be a beneficial way for people with eating disorders to connect with those who are experiencing similar challenges. Online therapy may be an accessible and convenient way for people with eating disorders to engage with an individual therapist.
Healing from eating disorders is possible
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started