February 22, 2026 - 169 views
Health leaders are urging people across North Wales to seek help early for eating disorders as Eating Disorders Awareness Week gets underway on Monday, 23 February.
The call comes as part of NHS Wales’ Seek Help Now campaign, which highlights that more than 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, yet only around a third formally seek support. This year’s awareness week, running until 1 March, focuses on the theme of community and the vital role families, friends and support networks play in recovery.
In North Wales, services are delivered through Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, where specialist teams support children, young people and adults experiencing conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Like other parts of Wales, the region has seen increased demand in recent years, particularly among young people.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. They are linked to complex factors including low self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, depression and social pressures. Left untreated, they can have severe physical consequences, including heart complications, fertility issues and long-term damage to vital organs. Early intervention significantly improves recovery rates and reduces the need for intensive hospital treatment.
Health boards across Wales have expanded services, but access and waiting times can vary. Mental Health Minister Sarah Murphy has called on the NHS to improve timely access and strengthen early intervention models, stressing that the earlier someone receives help, the better the outcome.
A new foundation-level e-learning course, launched last year by Health Education and Improvement Wales, is helping frontline staff recognise the signs of eating disorders and direct people to appropriate support. The training aims to ensure concerns are identified sooner in schools, GP surgeries and community settings.
The Seek Help Now campaign is backed by a £2 million investment in mental health performance and improvement, designed to improve quality of care and provide same-day access for those seeking support.
For families in North Wales, the message this week is clear: eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice or a phase, and recovery is possible with the right support. Community plays a crucial role — whether that is a parent noticing changes in eating habits, a friend speaking up about concerning behaviour, or a teacher recognising warning signs.
Anyone worried about themselves or someone else is encouraged to contact their GP or local mental health services. Support and information are also available through national charities and NHS Wales resources.
As Awareness Week begins, health leaders say reducing stigma and encouraging early conversations could make a life-saving difference for people across North Wales.
