Understanding Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects how a person relates to food and eating. It can lead to patterns such as severely limiting food intake, eating large amounts in a short time, or trying to control weight in ways that are harmful to health. These patterns are often linked to emotional distress and can have a serious impact on physical and mental wellbeing.
Eating disorders are medical conditions, not lifestyle choices. They can develop at any age and are influenced by a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. Each person’s experience is different.
Eating Disorders and Medical Cannabis: The Facts
At least 1.25 million
people in the UK have an eating disorder [1]
46%
of patients with anorexia are able to fully recover with first-line treatment, such as psychological therapies [1]
What are the Different Types of Eating Disorders?
There are several recognised types of eating disorders. The most common include:
- Anorexia nervosa: involves restricting food intake and an intense focus on weight or body shape. Some people may also exercise excessively.
- Bulimia nervosa: involves episodes of eating large amounts of food, followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain, such as being sick or using laxatives.
- Binge eating disorder (BED): involves repeatedly eating large amounts of food, often with a feeling of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, there are typically no compensatory behaviours afterwards.
Some people may experience disordered eating that does not fit neatly into one of these categories. This may include:
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): involves avoiding certain foods or restricting overall food intake, but without the body image concerns seen in anorexia.
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): where a person has symptoms of an eating disorder that do not meet the full criteria for a specific diagnosis.
What Causes an Eating Disorder?
The exact cause of eating disorders is not fully understood. They are thought to develop from a combination of factors, which may include genetics, personality traits, life experiences, and social or cultural pressures. Some people may be more likely to develop an eating disorder if they or a family member have a history of eating disorders, depression, or substance misuse.
Other factors that may play a role include experiencing negative comments about body shape or eating habits, having anxiety or low self-esteem, perfectionist tendencies, or having experienced trauma.
What are the Signs of an Eating Disorder?
The signs of an eating disorder can vary depending on the type of condition. They may include:
- Strict or rigid eating habits, such as eating the same foods repeatedly
- Avoiding social situations that involve food
- Excessive exercise or a strong focus on weight and appearance
- Feelings of guilt or anxiety around food
- Restricting food intake or eating very little
- Episodes of eating large amounts of food
- Purging behaviours, such as being sick after eating
- Changes in mood, low self-esteem, or withdrawal
- Noticeable or rapid changes in weight
- Misuse of medications in an attempt to lose weight
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, speaking with a GP is an important first step.
How are Eating Disorders Diagnosed?
Eating disorders are usually identified through an assessment with a GP. This may involve discussing symptoms, eating habits, and emotional wellbeing, as well as checking physical health, such as weight and vital signs.
If an eating disorder is suspected, the GP may refer the patient to a specialist eating disorder service or mental health team for further assessment and support.
Treatment Options for Eating Disorders
Recovery from an eating disorder can take time, but support is available and it is never too late to seek help. Treatment is tailored to the individual and depends on the type and severity of the condition.
First-line treatments usually involve psychological therapies. These may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or motivational approaches. Treatment often focuses on building regular eating patterns alongside support for the emotional and psychological factors involved.
In some cases, medication or nutritional support may also form part of the treatment plan. Around 46% of patients with anorexia nervosa may achieve full recovery with these standard approaches [1].
How do Eating Disorders Affect People?
Eating disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life, as well as on those around them. Thoughts about food, eating, and body image can become overwhelming and interfere with work, relationships, and everyday activities.
In addition to emotional and psychological effects, eating disorders can also affect physical health. This may include complications related to low body weight, as well as imbalances in nutrients and electrolytes, which can impact overall wellbeing.
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“Curaleaf Clinic is an incredibly professional and supportive clinic. From the consultants to the pharmacists everyone is extremely knowledgeable and very caring.”
Medical Cannabis for Eating Disorders
Since November 2018, medical cannabis has been legal in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor listed on the GMC Specialist Register. It may be considered for eligible patients when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief or have caused difficult side effects.
Research into the use of medical cannabis specifically for eating disorders remains limited. A 2021 systematic review of existing studies found that some patients with anorexia nervosa reported increases in body weight and appetite after using medical cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) [2]. However, the review noted that the studies were small in size and had important limitations.
A separate 2025 randomised controlled trial in older adults with poor appetite (not specific to eating disorders) found that THC and cannabidiol (CBD) appeared to have appetite-stimulating effects compared to placebo [3]. While this study was not conducted in an eating disorder population, it adds to the broader understanding of how cannabinoids may influence appetite.
What are the Side Effects of Medical Cannabis for Eating Disorders?
Like any medicine, medical cannabis can cause side effects in some people. The type and severity of these effects can vary between individuals.
The most common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, tiredness, and changes in appetite. Some people may also experience nausea or changes in mood or concentration. Most side effects are mild to moderate and often improve as the body adjusts to treatment.
Any side effects should be reported to your clinician so they can be monitored and managed appropriately.
To find out more, read our blog on the side effects of medical cannabis.
Can I be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for an Eating Disorder?
Medical cannabis may be considered in some cases where other treatments have not provided sufficient relief or have caused difficult side effects. It is not a first-line treatment and is always considered as part of a wider care plan.
Access through the NHS is very limited. Most patients in the UK who are prescribed medical cannabis do so through private clinics. Only specialist doctors on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe medical cannabis.
If you’re exploring whether a medical cannabis consultation may be suitable for you, you can complete an eligibility assessment with Curaleaf Clinic. The team will review your medical history and, if appropriate, invite you to speak with a consultant psychiatrist.
References
[1] Beat Eating Disorders. Statistics for Journalists. Available at: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/media-centre/eating-disorder-statistics/
[2] Rosager EV, Møller C, Sjögren M. Treatment studies with cannabinoids in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review. Eat Weight Disord. 2021 Mar;26(2):407-415. doi: 10.1007/s40519-020-00891-x. Epub 2020 Apr 2. PMID: 32240516.
[3] Nielsen RL, Bornæs O, Christensen LWS, Juul-Larsen HG, Storgaard IK, Kallemose T, Jørgensen LM, Jawad BN, Altintas I, Lund TM, Rasmussen HH, Munk T, Andersen O, Houlind MB, Andersen AL. The appetite stimulating effect and safety of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in older patients with poor appetite: A triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Clin Nutr. 2025 Apr;47:248-257. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.02.024. Epub 2025 Feb 24. PMID: 40069983.
