Eating disorders and the workplace: the uncomfortable truth 

The Exact Causes of Eating Disorders

The exact causes of eating disorders are unknown. What we do know is that an interaction of psychological, physical, and sociocultural factors increases the risk of their development. In other words, it's rarely just one thing.

The Media's Role: The Thin Ideal

Among these factors, the role of the media in affecting young people's perceptions of their bodies is emphasized by an increasing body of scientific evidence. Empirical findings show the relation between media promotion of the thin ideal and young viewers' distorted body image. Studies have shown that TV, magazines, and especially social media feed young people, particularly girls, a constant stream of ultra-thin, flawless images. Consequently, many young girls feel displeased with their physical appearance. They are forced to adjust their body image, as they have been led to associate a thin body with a successful life. This isn't just a "girls' problem" either; boys are also affected, though scientists say we need more research to understand how.

Friends and Social Circles Matter Too

An additional sociocultural factor that increases the risk of eating disorders in young people is their social environment and, particularly, peers who idealize a thin body image. Friends, classmates, and even teammates can play a role, especially if they frequently discuss dieting, weight, or the "perfect" body. Being surrounded by people who idealize thinness can quietly increase the pressure to look a certain way.

Why Personality Plays a Part

Personality traits have also been associated with increased risk for presenting eating disorders, but not on a direct basis. They have been shown to increase the vulnerability of young people to the idealization of a thin body by the media or peers. Some personality traits, like perfectionism, sensitivity to criticism, or low self-esteem, don't directly cause eating disorders. Still, they can make a person more vulnerable to outside influences. That means two people can see the same "perfect" image online, but one might scroll past it. At the same time, the other internalizes it and starts to feel bad about themselves.

The Bigger Picture

Research shows a complicated aetiology of eating disorders, which indicates that their exact causes cannot be restricted to one level. Yes, society definitely plays an important role in promoting unrealistic ideals. But genetics, personality, and life experiences determine whether someone is more or less likely to absorb and act on those messages.

Yes, the workplace also plays a part.
While society and peers shape much of our thinking, the workplace plays an equally powerful part in eating disorders, even if companies might believe it is something that concerns only the private sphere. Workplaces are where many adults spend the majority of their day, and the culture created there can either add pressure or act as a buffer against it. Studies say that when workplaces allow weight-related jokes, appearance-based comments, or constant "diet talk," employees are more likely to feel dissatisfied with their bodies and struggle with unhealthy eating patterns.

This isn't just theoretical. Everyday scenarios, such as competitions, office diet challenges, or even the way food is discussed during team lunches and company events, can quietly normalize disordered eating behaviors. Something as simple as commenting on what colleagues eat ("Wow, you're being so 'good' with that salad" or "I could never eat all those carbs") reinforces the idea that food is tied to morality or worth. On the other hand, inclusive practices, such as offering a variety of food options at events and avoiding weight-based competitions, can reduce stigma and help people feel more secure.

Leaders and managers can set the tone, and they have a responsibility not only to recognize their influence but also to actively cultivate environments that support well-being. A positive workplace culture can alleviate pressure, foster healthy habits, and promote both physical and mental well-being. This goes beyond surface-level "wellness programs"—it's about how everyday interactions and policies are shaped.

Why Does This Matter for Companies?

Research suggests that nearly 70% of employees report experiencing body dissatisfaction at work, and weight stigma has been linked not only to poorer mental health but also to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and higher turnover. Eating disorders carry some of the highest mortality rates among mental health conditions, making them a serious issue that goes far beyond personal lifestyle. Legally and ethically, workplaces also have a responsibility to prevent harassment and discrimination and to create a safe and healthy environment. Addressing eating disorders and body image is not just a matter of individual well-being; it directly affects team morale, organizational culture, and long-term performance.

For instance, avoiding appearance-based comments is key. When leaders or colleagues casually joke about weight or compare diets, it reinforces harmful cultural norms. Instead, leaders should model balanced behaviors: eating without guilt, speaking respectfully about their own and others' bodies, and focusing conversations around energy, productivity, and overall health.

Workplace culture plays a dual role in this context. On the one hand, diet talk, weight jokes, and team fitness competitions can normalize unhealthy behaviors and reinforce harmful ideals. On the other hand, supportive cultures that prioritize inclusion, provide flexible policies, and explicitly reject body-shaming can act as protective buffers, not only helping to prevent problems but also creating safer spaces for employees who may already be in recovery.

Access to supportive resources is another crucial factor. Organizations that provide mental health support, normalize help-seeking, and create policies that discourage body shaming send a powerful signal of care and acceptance. Leaders who openly reject negative self-talk and demonstrate healthy habits inspire others to feel safe and valued as they are. In short: leadership matters. Employees notice not just what leaders say but what they do. And when leaders embody balance and acceptance, they help build a culture where people are less vulnerable to external cultural pressures.

3 Quick Tips and Do’s for Leaders

• Promote balanced messaging. Encourage conversations around energy, health, and productivity rather than weight or dieting.
• Model healthy behaviors. Avoid negative body talk and demonstrate balance.
• Create supportive policies. Ensure policies discourage body shaming or dieting pressures while promoting access to wellness and mental health support.

The Bottom Line

Therefore, even though society promotes unhealthy body images, which increase the risk for developing eating disorders, additional epigenetic and psychological factors determine young people's vulnerability to absorb these influences. Society is part of the problem, but so are organizational contexts. With statistics highlighting the workplace impact on mental health, productivity, and legal obligations, it's clear that this is not "just personal." With conscious leadership and a supportive culture, workplaces can actively help prevent disordered eating and foster healthier relationships with food and body image.