The founder of a Merseyside-based eating disorders treatment centre has spoken out about the importance of education in the ‘mammoth task’ of supporting sufferers.
Speaking to MerseyNewsLive during Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025, Leigh Best, founder of Talking Eating Disorders, stressed the importance of raising awareness about the early signs of eating disorders.
Leigh founded the support group 25 years ago and continues to fervently help those suffering from eating disorders in all forms.
She said: “Take action. Don’t just ignore it. As soon as change starts to happen. If you’re worried that something is wrong, just ask the question.
“I always recommend family members to follow their intuition because very often they have an idea that there is a problem, but not sure what.
“Look out for social isolation, withdrawing from family. The obvious ones, skipping meals, playing with food on the plate, disappearing after dinner, but the less obvious clues too, like going to the gym excessively.
“Just ask the question, how are you? I’m worried about you, is there something going on with you and your relationship with food?”
Leigh added: “This is a mammoth task in today’s society. Early intervention is the key, this is an illness that lasts years and years.
“The reason I am still supporting families is because families are routinely being failed by the services available.
“Education, information, and raising awareness are massively important and reaching out to organisations like us can help.”
Nicky McGrath, TEDs volunteer, said: “You shouldn’t have to wait until breaking point before getting help.”
Jill Woods, a mother whose daughter recovered from an eating disorder and now supports other parents as part of TEDs Recovery Coaching Support, said: “There is so much emphasis on social media about ‘thin is good and fat is bad’ but we need a more holistic approach to well-being about being healthy in mind and body.
“Especially at the moment when there is so much talk about weight loss drugs too.”
Emma, a mother who uses the TED services, said: “It is important for parents and caregivers to remain calm and provide a loving space for their children to feel safe.
“They will often feel a sense of shame and this compounds with the pain they are already experiencing. Build self-esteem by focusing on who the child is and not what they look like.”
As well as many opportunities to spread awareness through information and resources, leading UK charity, Beat Eating Disorders, are hosting workshops and fundraisers during the week.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, contact Beat’s helpline which runs Monday-Friday 3pm-8pm at 0808 801 0433. Or text SHOUT to the 24/7 mental health helpline at 85258.
