This may involve working with a medical professional and/or dietitian to develop a balanced eating plan, address nutritional deficiencies, and support weight restoration where needed.

Regular monitoring of physical health may be needed, along with management of any medical complications.

Medication is usually not the main treatment for eating disorders, but it may be prescribed alongside psychotherapy to help manage symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

Family involvement is often an important part of recovery. If it feels right, you can gently encourage your colleague to share what they're going through with trusted family members, so they don't have to cope with it alone. Family counselling can help their family understand the eating disorder, improve communication at home, and address patterns that may unintentionally make things harder.

A talking therapy that helps your colleague challenge unhelpful thoughts about food and body image, cope with difficult emotions, and build a healthier relationship with eating.

You're not expected to be their therapist — but understanding these approaches can help you recognise the progress they're making and know how to be encouraging.

Before speaking to them, consider whether this is part of a pattern — regularly avoiding lunch, repeatedly making negative comments about their body, or often working through breaks without eating. This helps you approach it more thoughtfully.

It can be emotionally heavy to worry about a colleague. Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling — without sharing details that aren't yours to share — or use your own support resources. Caring for yourself helps you stay steady enough to support others.

Talk privately, away from others. Avoid bringing it up in front of colleagues or during a busy moment. You might start with, "I've noticed you seem a bit stressed lately and I wanted to check in."

Talk about what you've noticed in a caring, non-judgmental way. "I've noticed you've been skipping meals and seem very tired — I'm a bit worried about you" rather than "You're not eating properly." Focus on how they seem, not labelling their behaviour.

Don't comment on their weight, body shape, or how much they're eating. Avoid remarks like "You look so thin now" or "You look much better after losing weight." Instead, ask how they've been feeling.

If they share something, listen more than you speak. "That sounds really tough" or "Thank you for trusting me with this" goes a long way. You don't need to have all the answers. Your calm, respectful presence is already helpful.

They may not be ready to talk. Let them know that's OK. "You don't have to tell me everything, but if you ever want to talk, I'm here." Keep what they share confidential, unless you're seriously worried about their safety and need to follow workplace guidelines.

If it feels appropriate, encourage them to speak to a doctor, mental health professional, Employee Assistance Programme, or a trusted supervisor or HR partner. You could say, "Have you thought about talking to someone who's trained to support with this? I can sit with you while you look up options if that helps."

You can't be there all the time, but small actions matter. Invite them to join you for non-food-related breaks, check in with a simple "How are you holding up this week?" and continue to treat them with kindness and respect, even if their behaviour feels confusing.