A woman participating in online therapy

At least 30 million people living in the United States experience some kind of eating disorder, according to the Eating Disorders Coalition. And almost half of those living in the U.S. know someone who’s experienced disordered eating.

Anyone can be affected by these mental health conditions.

Because so much in daily life can be triggering for survivors of eating disorders, online support groups can help those in recovery cope and find community as they heal. Additionally, anyone can join these support groups — you don’t have to have a diagnosis or be in treatment, and some are even open to loved ones of people with eating disorders.

The following outlines eight of the best online eating disorder support groups.

People in recovery from an eating disorder can find a safe community in eating disorder support groups. These groups are not meant to replace therapy or medical care, but are led by a clinician or a moderator.

Peer-to-Peer guidance, empaths, and emotional support are offered by support groups.

There are more options for people to receive virtual support with online groups for eating disorder recovery because of the ongoing Pandemic.

We evaluated various platforms to find the best online eating disorder support groups.

  • It is easy to use.
  • Cost
  • Privacy.
  • How they serve different communities.

Guidelines for participating and registration were also considered.

Best overall

Center for Discovery

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED), co-occurring disorders, primary mental health diagnosis, primary substance abuse diagnosis
  • Meeting types: online, via secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom video conference platform (can attend anonymously)

Center for Discovery has over 20 years of experience in the field of eating disorder treatment and has centers in 13 states.

The organization provides online support group meetings for a variety of people.

Some groups are led by a clinician, while others are peer-to-peer support-based. The meetings are held via a private and secure method.

Pros

  • The center has established therapy and treatment.
  • No RSVP is required.
  • Professionals are present.

Cons

  • Some groups are only open to alumni.
  • no weekend meetings
  • Not all groups meet weekly.
Get started with Center for Discovery

Best anonymous option

HealthfulChat

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: various eating disorders
  • Meeting types: virtual/online (chat room, forums, social network)

Healthfulchat says that strong peer support is a must when healing from an eating disorder. The organization says they strive to empower people with support and confidence because they believe there is power in numbers.

The group has a chat room, forums, and social network that can be used to connect with other people who are going through similar experiences, and can give you a better understanding of what you are dealing with. Users Is it possible to be anonymous? in these spaces.

Pros

  • can use a secret
  • quick registration
  • There are lots of people.

Cons

  • Must be over 16 years old.
  • Rules might not be strictly enforced.
  • It may feel impersonal.
Get started with HealthfulChat

Best variety of groups option

Eating Recovery Center

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: anorexia nervosa, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, compulsive overeating, diabulimia, OSFED
  • Meeting types: in-person or virtual/online

The Eating Recovery Center has 35 facilities across the country that are dedicated to treating a variety of eating disorders. The online support groups allow people to find the best fit for their specific disorders.

The center has virtual groups for various communities, like the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Affirmative community. There are groups for clinicians to connect with each other.

Everyone should get a chance to be heard because attendance is capped at 15.

Pros

  • Small groups.
  • Different groups to choose from.
  • Those in recovery and their supporters have groups.

Cons

  • Only one group can be attended per week.
  • There are no groups for those under 18 years of age.
  • Pre-register is required.
Get started with Eating Recovery Center

Best for teens

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: various eating disorders
  • Meeting types: virtual (via Zoom)

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders is the oldest organization that deals with eating disorder recovery.

The ANAD provides guidelines for schools to teach students about eating disorders and start a conversation about body image.

“The dedication to educating young people is part of what makes it our pick for the best platform for adolescents and teens. Young people can get free peer-to-peer support in ANAD’s weekly adolescent and teen support group.”

The organization also provides additional resources for teens and adolescents with a professionals directory, which can connect young people with a therapist in their area.

Pros

  • capped attendance
  • 75-minute sessions.
  • The organization is well-established.

Cons

  • Pre-register is necessary.
  • It could interfere with school.
  • Only one meeting per week.
Get started with ANAD

Best clinician-led group

National Alliance for Eating Disorders

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, OSFED
  • Meeting types: virtual (in-person suspended due to COVID-19)

The Alliance for Eating Disorders was founded in 2000 by Johanna Kandel, who was an eating disorder survivor.

It is the only national organization that offers free support groups. There are two groups, one for those in recovery and one for caregivers.

The recovery group has two sessions a week, one during the week and one on the weekends. The caregivers meet once per week.

Pros

  • professionally moderated.
  • weekly meetings
  • no Cost

Cons

  • Only for people over the age of 18.
  • Only one for the LGBTQIA+).
  • Register in advance.
Get started with National Alliance for Eating Disorders

Best for moms

The Aviary

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: various eating disorders
  • Meeting types: virtual/online (scheduled chat)

Hosted by Beat Eating Disorders, an eating disorder charity based in the United Kingdom, The Aviary online support group is a confidential and inclusive chat room intended for moms, or anyone else supporting someone in their recovery from an eating disorder.

“You need to sign up for the organization’s e-learning platform to access this support group. The platform has a Meet area.”

Pros

  • There is freedom of discussion.
  • The rules and guidelines are followed.

Cons

  • Only once a week, it is held.
  • The lack of a facilitator makes discussions off topic.
Get started with The Aviary

Best for parents and caregivers

F.E.A.S.T. Around the Dinner Table Forum

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: anorexia nervosa, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, OSFED
  • Meeting types: online (forum format)

The online support group forum was started in 2004 to connect caregivers and parents of children with eating disorders. It is the only global community for caregivers of children with eating disorders.

The online community became a nonprofit in 2007.

Once registered in the forum, caregivers and parents can respond to existing posts and create new ones, all of which are moderated 24/7.

F.E.A.S.T. also offers an online support group for fathers and male partners.

Pros

  • Is it possible to be anonymous?
  • You can create your own topics.
  • The network of people.

Cons

  • Only parents and adults are allowed.
  • Not moderated by clinicians.
  • Structured group meetings are not provided.
Get started with F.E.A.S.T.

Best for continued learning and support

Morningside Chats in the Living Room

  • Price: free
  • Types of disorders supported: various eating disorders
  • Meeting types: virtual (via Zoom)

The weekly Zoom group is a safe place to meet experts in eating disorders.

A new guest will share their perspective and knowledge each week, allowing participants to take part in a casual dialogue. The founder and executive director of the Eating Disorder Treatment Collaborative hosted the sessions.

It is ideal for people to get support in an informal way without having to engage in a more moderated group setting. The host and expert guest are shown via video during each session, so participants can be completely anonymous.

Pros

  • There are meetings on Saturdays.
  • can see recorded meetings
  • Education from experts.

Cons

  • More educational than therapeutic.
  • The meeting may feel disconnected if you prefer seeing faces.
  • Informal format.
Get started with Morning Chats in the Living Room

Highlights Types of meetings
Center for Discovery weekly and bi-weekly meetings (both peer-to-peer and clinician-led), meetings for adolescents, BIPoC, caregivers, and more online on a secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom video conference platform
HealthfulChat chat room, forums, and social networking to connect with others worldwide; can participate anonymously virtual/online (chat room, forums, social network)
Eating Recovery Center 35 facilities nationwide and online support groups for specific groups of people including LGBTQIA+, BIPoC, college students, and caregivers in-person or virtual/online
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders oldest nonprofit for eating disorder recovery in the U.S.; offers a helpline, email, school guidelines for educators, weekly adolescent and teen support group, and professionals directory for local therapists virtual (via Zoom)
National Alliance of Eating Disorders inpatient, outpatient, and critical care; weekly virtual and in-person support groups for those in recovery and for their caregivers virtual (in-person suspended due to COVID-19)
The Aviary UK-based confidential and inclusive chat room for moms or others supporting someone in their eating disorder recovery virtual/online (scheduled chat)
F.E.A.S.T. Around the Dinner Table Forum a global community for caregivers of children with eating disorders; moderated 24/7; live webinars and recordings for caregivers; support group for fathers and male-identifying partners online (forum format)
Morningside Chats in the Living Room weekly Zoom with eating disorder experts; participate in casual dialogue and informal continuous support without a moderated group setting; can be 100% anonymous virtual (via Zoom)

When looking for a support group for eating disorder, you should consider the specific characteristics of the group along with your needs, goals, and how important each of those is to you.

Some factors you may want to consider.

  • The types of communities include parents/caregivers, college students, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • There are conditions that are targeted.
  • how well your Privacy. is protected (and whether or not you want to participate anonymously)
  • How easy is it to use the platform?
  • Guidelines for joining.
  • The group is moderated.

Online eating disorder support groups can help those in recovery.

“It’s incredibly powerful for individuals who are living with any form of mental health diagnosis to hear the words, ‘me too,’ from someone else,” says Dr. Caroline Fenkel, the co-founder of virtual mental health clinic Charlie Health. “In that way, support groups for those who are in recovery from eating disorders can be helpful.”

These online groups allow people to connect from their homes and are a necessary platform for community and healing.

If you notice that your eating patterns affect your mood, concentration, and life, it may be time to seek professional help.

If you are scared to gain weight or fear not eating enough, you may want to talk to a mental health professional.

If you notice physical symptoms or engage in certain behaviors, you should see a doctor.

  • rapid weight loss.
  • “It’s not possible to pee.”
  • bingeing, vomiting, or purges.
  • There is severe pain in the belly.
  • irregular heartbeat
  • It was faint.
  • The ribs or bones are not straight.
  • Periods for women who are uterus-owners.

What causes eating disorders?

The cause of an eating disorder can be influenced by a number of factors.

Common causes can include:

  • Genetics
  • learned behaviors from family members
  • There are certain personality traits.
  • The body is under social pressures to look a certain way.

Are eating disorder support groups effective?

A support group can be useful for anyone who is experiencing an acute mental health crisis, whether it is eating disorders or recovery from them.

She says that having shared experiences helps people feel less alone, like they are part of a nonjudgmental community that can empathise with their journey.

Is an eating disorder support group right for you?

An eating disorder support group can be a way to connect with other people who are also healing.

“Fenkel says that the style and level of care needed for treatment for active eating disorders can’t be accomplished in a group setting.”

“She says that it is important to meet with a licensed professional to know which issue needs to be treated first and how it should be treated. Eating disorders can cause serious and potentially fatal side effects if they aren’t properly treated.”

Do eating disorder support groups Cost money?

Some groups need a fee or a donation. Many are free.

Online eating disorder support groups can be used to share feelings and experiences. These groups can be a positive part of the recovery journey.

If you think you might have an eating disorder, get 24/7 support by contacting the National Eating Disorders Association.

Natasha Burton is a freelance writer and editor who has written for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Livestrong, Woman’s Day, and many other lifestyle publications. She’s the author of What’s My Type?: 100+ Quizzes to Help You Find Yourself ― and Your Match!, 101 Quizzes for Couples, 101 Quizzes for BFFs, 101 Quizzes for Brides and Grooms, and the co-author of “The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags.” When she’s not writing, she’s fully immersed in #momlife with her toddler and preschooler.