Posted on March 3, 2024 by Meagan McDowell

Eating disorder recovery or even just healing from disordered eating, can feel lonely, especially if you’re in the military and feel you can’t talk about it with anyone. Having a support system that fully understands the nuances of the healing process is vital.Whether you need to help yourself or you want to support a loved one with an eating disorder, there is a support group for everyone, no matter your background. While there aren’t any military-specific eating disorder groups, there are many others that can still provide the support you need.Make sure you save or share this list of eating disorder recovery resources, which we’ll update as we find new groups.

1. General Eating Disorder Support for Everyone

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) offers free virtual support groups for anyone Monday through Thursday at various times. These virtual groups are led by trained volunteers who have recovered from an eating disorder themselves or a professional volunteering their time and expertise.

2. LGBTQ+ Eating Disorder and Body Image Support Group

Identifying as LGBTQ+ can make eating disorder recovery feel even more difficult. That’s why we love that the Eating Recovery Center offers a midday support group for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The group meets every Monday at 10 a.m. MDT, 12 pm EST.

3. BIPOC

The BIPOC community is traditionally overlooked in the eating disorder and disordered eating world. If you identify as BIPOC, check out ANAD’s BIPOC support group that meets every Monday at 8 pm EST. Just submit this form to register and start getting weekly email reminders.

4. F.E.A.S.T Support for Family and Friends

Eating disorders impact more than just the individual; they impact the people that person loves. It can be challenging to watch someone you love suffer, and if you’re looking for support to get through this time, this group is for you.Families Empowered And Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders, or F.E.A.S.T., has united with ANAD to provide a caregiver support group, open to anyone in a position to offer support for an ED patient, on Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST and every other Monday at 8 p.m. EST. They also have a group for patients' siblings on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST.

5. Monthly Connections for Men

The number of men who struggle with eating disorders and need support in eating disorder recovery is grossly underestimated. This is why we love this group for anyone identifying as male. The Monthly Connections for Men group, provided by The Eating Disorder Foundation, happens on the first Monday of every month from 5 to 6 p.m. MDT, 7 to 8 p.m. EST.

6. Neurodivergent Folx

If you identify as neurodivergent, The Eating Disorder Foundation hosts a free group on the last Wednesday of every month from 4-5pm MT. Job for connection and community via Zoom and to discuss various topics related to neurodivergent and in eating disorder recovery.

7. Larger Bodied Individuals Support Group

Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, no matter their body shape or size. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders holds a pro-recovery virtual support group for Larger Bodied Individuals on Mondays at 7 pm EST to connect on the unique challenges you face in recovery.

8. Mental Health Professionals in Eating Disorder Recovery

Join The Eating Disorder Foundation on the last Friday of every month from 9-10am MT to discuss balanced recovery while also holding a professional identity. Connect with fellow professionals in a confidential group meant to support your eating disorder recovery.

9. Spanish Speaking

Eating disorders don’t discriminate, and the Center for Discovery offers one virtual support for Spanish-speaking patients, the first and third Thursday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. EST, and another for Spanish-speaking loved ones of a patient, the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. EST.

10. Teens and Young Adults 

If you are 24 years old or younger, this group, hosted by ANAD, could be a good option for you. Join on Tuesdays at 7pm EST to connect with people your age on the challenges of eating disorder recovery.

11. SupportED

This recovery group is hosted by Renewed specifically for women ages 40+. You can register here. Sessions change from month to month, so check back at their website for the next session day and time.Join a Free Eating Disorder Recovery Group

Whether you’ve recently started your journey to recovery or have been healing for a long time, it’s not unusual to want support from others. Eating disorders thrive in isolation—and can feel lonely—so talking to people who are struggling too can be an immense relief. Plus, being in a group means you can participate or simply observe, creating a low-pressure environment.