Remember me
Figures from the HSE show increased demand for specialist services, with 915 referrals and 465 people commencing treatment for eating disorders in 2025, a 13 per cent increase on the previous year
Almost 6,700 people accessed the services of eating disorders support group Bodywhys last year, its latest annual report shows.
Marking its thirtieth year in operation in Ireland, the organisation said that across three decades it has supported more than 80,000 people through its helpline, email service, online support groups, family support services and structured support programmes. More than half of those individuals have been supported in the past ten years alone.
The Bodywhys 2025 annual report highlighted growing demand across all services, particularly among young people and families, alongside continued need among adults living with eating disorders and those supporting a loved one.
Last year Bodywhys received 2,612 helpline calls and 1,815 support emails, while 807 people attended online chat and video-based support groups. A further 1,198 family members and supporters accessed the organisation’s family support package.
Demand for youth-focused support continued to increase, with attendance of ‘YouthConnect’, an online support group for young people aged 13–18, rising by 44 per cent.
More than four-in-ten helpline calls related to someone under the age of 18, while over half of support emails concerned children and young people aged 10-18.
Around 85 per cent of those attending the PiLaR (Peer Led Resilience) Family Support Programme were supporting a young person under 18. Nearly 60 per cent of PiLaR participants were supporting someone in the early stages of an eating disorder (less than one year).
One-in-four helpline calls related to a person over 36, while 671 adults were supported directly through online support groups and structured support programmes.
Among families caring for a loved one with an eating disorder who contacted Bodywhys, 85 per cent reported that their own mental health had been affected, while 65 per cent said they felt more confident in supporting them following the organisation’s support programmes.
Where data was available, contacts to its helpline and email service were broadly split between individuals seeking support for themselves and those supporting someone with an eating disorder.
Alongside direct services, Bodywhys delivered eating disorder therapeutic support training to 1,056 clinicians and allied health professionals during 2025, strengthening understanding and support for eating disorders across healthcare and community settings.
Bodywhys CEO Harriet Parsons
“As we mark 30 years of Bodywhys, we reflect on the support that thousands of people, families and professionals have accessed through our services over the past three decades,” said Bodywhys CEO Harriet Parsons.
“The increasing demand for our services underscores the importance of accessible and consistent support.
“We are encouraged to see more people reaching out for help at an earlier stage and increased engagement across our youth, family and professional education programmes.
“Bodywhys remains committed to ensuring that anyone affected by an eating disorder can access support, information and understanding whenever they need it. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen early intervention pathways, expand our digital support services and improve access for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.”
Figures from the HSE National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders also show increased demand for specialist services, with 915 referrals and 465 people commencing treatment in 2025, a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.
“The work of Bodywhys has become an essential part of Ireland’s response to eating disorders, providing support, information and hope to thousands of individuals and families every year,” said Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler.
“As this report demonstrates, demand for these services continues to grow, particularly among young people and their families.
“I want to acknowledge the commitment of Bodywhys over the past 30 years and the vital role the organisation continues to play in supporting recovery, raising awareness and promoting early intervention.
“The organisation’s partnership with the HSE National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders is a strong example of how the meaningful inclusion of lived experience and the patient voice can improve services and respond to people’s real needs.”