Anonymous Question Forum - NEDA Week
We know navigating questions about eating disorders, recovery, and mental health can be tough, but you're not alone. This is a safe space to ask anything that's on your mind—whether it's about understanding eating disorders, seeking support, or learning how to help a friend.
Drop your questions below, and a licensed professional will be here to provide thoughtful answers and guidance. Remember, no question is too small or too big—we're here to support you!
Some Answers to Your Questions!
How Can I Support a Friend in Recovery?/ What is the best way to support a friend who has an eating disorder? What to say/what not to say
Can someone with an eating disorder be overweight?
“What a thoughtful, kind, and complex question! First, try and remember this. You are not their therapist, nutritionist, or doctor—you are their friend. Your role isn’t to “fix” them but to walk alongside them with patience, understanding, and support.
One of the most important things you can do is avoid body and diet talk. Even seemingly harmless comments like “You look so healthy!” can be triggering. If they express doubts or insecurities about their appearance, resist the urge to reassure them with comments about how they look. Instead, shift the focus: compliment their creativity, their kindness, their humor, their resilience—the things that truly define them.Make space for them to share their feelings without jumping in with solutions.It’s natural to want to say, “Oh, but you’re beautiful!” or “You have nothing to worry about!”—but that’s not always helpful. Sometimes, what they need most is a safe, judgment-free space where they can express their struggles without fear of dismissal. If they’re venting, just listen. A simple, “That sounds really tough. I’m here for you,” can go a long way. And finally, take care of yourself too. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so set boundaries when needed and seek support for yourself if it ever feels overwhelming. At the end of the day, your friend doesn’t need you to have all the answers. They just need you to be there.”
Absolutely. Eating Disorders are a mental disorder not a weight disorder. Nearly 50 percent of deaths related to eating disorders are of those considered not medically underweight. These include those with restrictive eating patterns deemed “Overweight”. It is crucial to focus on behaviors and health risks rather than just weight when assessing severity and need for treatment. If you are struggling—no matter your weight, no matter your behaviors—your pain is real, and you deserve help. Eating disorders are time-sensitive, and early intervention can save lives.Weight is not an indicator of suffering.