On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Ellen Jennings, Communications Officer at BodyWhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. The conversation shed light on the complex realities of eating disorders, their impact on individuals and families, and the crucial supports BodyWhys has been providing since 1995.
Founded originally as a parent-led support group, BodyWhys has grown into Ireland’s national voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by eating disorders. Today, their services include a confidential helpline, email support, and a variety of online and video support groups. Importantly, BodyWhys also provides specialised supports for families, recognising that eating disorders affect not only the individual but everyone around them.
“Although at first it might seem to be about food and our body, there are many different layers that impact on how the person thinks, acts, and feels. That’s why recovery means addressing the whole person, not just the behaviours,” explained Ellen.
What is an Eating Disorder?
In a society saturated with diet culture and body ideals, it can be difficult to know when eating habits cross into disordered patterns. Jennings explained that eating disorders often serve as coping mechanisms, driven by an “eating disorder voice” – an internal critic that fuels compulsive behaviours and rigid rules around food.
“So the person might have lots of rules around food. Sometimes people with an eating disorder will describe what they call the eating disorder voice. And this is kind of like an internal critic that’s driving a lot of the thoughts and behaviours for the person. So part of recovery from an eating disorder is to try and quieten that eating disorder voice and amplify the more self-compassionate side of the person’s mind.”
While eating disorders can involve eating too much, too little, or comfort eating, BodyWhys emphasises that the condition is not simply about food. Instead, it encompasses a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, with wide-ranging effects on their health and ability to engage fully in life.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single cause of eating disorders. Instead, multiple risk factors interact to make someone more susceptible.
“We would often talk about it in terms of the factors that are internal to the person. So maybe their personality traits – they might be a perfectionist, they might be prone to anxiety, or other mental health conditions,” said Ellen.
External factors, such as societal pressures around body image or exposure to unattainable ideals in media, can also play a powerful role. Each individual’s experience is unique, which is why treatment and recovery must be tailored to the person.
The Impact on Daily Life
Eating disorders are far-reaching in their effects. They can alter how a person shows up in their relationships, education, work, and social life.
“And there’s a strange relationship between eating disorders and being able to experience joy in a person’s life. It’s like the eating disorder doesn’t want the person to be able to experience that. And it holds a person back from engaging with what they’d like to be doing in their life.”
Jennings highlighted that isolation is a common experience, with some people requiring intensive treatment, while others can gradually work on different aspects of their disorder alongside their daily lives.
Myths and Realities
Many people associate eating disorders only with anorexia or bulimia, but other conditions exist – and individuals may experience different diagnoses over time. Eating disorders also affect men, a fact that is still shrouded in stigma. Jennings pointed to the growing recognition of body image pressures on men, particularly the unattainable “muscular ideal” promoted in media and online spaces.
“There’s a double stigma for men – first in opening up about mental health, and second in seeking support for something often seen as a women’s issue. That’s something we’re working hard to change,” she said.
Pathways to Treatment and Recovery
Eating disorders can affect people at any stage of life, from adolescence to adulthood, and during times of transition such as college, pregnancy, or postpartum. While treatment looks different for everyone, early intervention is key. Jennings encouraged anyone concerned about themselves or a loved one to start by speaking with their GP or reaching out to BodyWhys directly.
BodyWhys also runs family support programmes, offering training and guidance to parents and carers on how best to support someone through recovery. These programmes are open to families of both young people and adults.
Recovery, Jennings emphasised, is highly individual:
“For some, recovery means quietening the eating disorder voice. For others, it means rebuilding their relationship with food and body image. Whatever recovery looks like, it is possible – and support is there.”
Reaching Out
BodyWhys’ supports are available nationwide, free of judgement, and without the need for a formal diagnosis. Their confidential services include:
📞 Helpline: 01 210 7906
📧 Email Support: alex@bodywhys.ie
As Ellen concluded, the most important step is simply reaching out:
“Eating disorders thrive in secrecy. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone – support is out there, and recovery is possible.”
👉 Learn more: bodywhys.ie
Culture Night takes place on Friday, September 19th, 2025, with events across Ireland. To see the full programme, visit culturenight.ie or weact.ie.