Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or race. It is a condition caused by a combination of social, psychological and biological factors. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the seriousness of this issue. To get informed about it more deeply, one should watch documentaries about eating disorders that explain how these problems manifest in real life and what measures can be taken to prevent them. Here is our list of 10 best documentaries on eating disorders that will help you understand this complex topic better. These documentaries can often be blocked in some countries. To watch documentaries without restrictions from anywhere, use a free VPN to connect to remote servers in other countries.
Thin (2006)
This riveting documentary delves into the raw and emotional journey of women battling with eating disorders. Through powerful storytelling, it sheds light on the complexities and challenges these individuals face in their pursuit of recovery.
Personas: Identities of an Eating Disorder (2017)
Explore the intricate relationship between food, body image, and relationships in this thought-provoking documentary. Meet individuals with personal experiences, mental health professionals, and celebrities such as Emme who share their insights on eating disorders. Unlike sensationalized documentaries that rely on graphic depictions or false information about causation, this film offers a refreshing perspective on how eating disorders impact our lives and connections.
Understanding Eating Disorders (2013)
Immerse yourself in the world of eating disorders with Future Health’s documentary, Understanding Eating Disorders. Join us as we delve into the complexities and dangers of these often misunderstood illnesses that affect millions worldwide. Through powerful visuals and informative commentary, we’ll explore the devastating impact of eating disorders on individuals and their loved ones.
Addicted To Food: Sharon’s Story (2010)
Sharon Mevsimler’s story is one of both triumph and tragedy. At her heaviest, she weighed a staggering 45 stone (or 630 pounds), struggling with mobility and facing health complications due to her extreme weight. But after undergoing a life-saving operation, she was given a second chance at life.
The Stockholm Solution (2005)
Discover the groundbreaking theory that has flipped traditional psychiatric understanding of eating disorders upside down. According to a Stockholm clinic, anorexia nervosa and bulimia are not psychological diseases, but rather physical ailments that require a completely different approach to treatment.
Supersize Vs Superskinny (2010)
Step into the world of extreme diets and witness a life-changing experiment unfold. Meet two individuals who have endured the harmful consequences of restrictive eating habits. Watch as they embark on an eye-opening journey, swapping diets for five days in the care of medical professionals.
The Best Free Documentaries About Eating Disorders
1. Obesity: A Deadly Risk – Eating Disorders Documentaries
This documentary is an eye-opening look at the global obesity epidemic and how it affects individuals. It follows four patients struggling with their weight, exploring environmental and genetic factors that are contributing to this alarming rise in cases. With a focus on the US as the world’s fattest nation, this film offers an insightful exploration of obesity and its effects.
2. The Truth About Fussy Eaters – Documentaries about Eating Disorders
This documentary dives deep into the world of fussy eating, also known as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It brings to light how this disorder is often overlooked and how it can pose a serious health risk and even death. The 8 Best Documentaries About Eating Disorders will take you through real-life stories that prove why this condition needs immediate attention. Watch now to understand more about fussy eating!
3. My Child Can’t Stop Eating | PWS Syndrome | Eating Disorder Documentary
THIN is an intimate look at a renowned eating disorder clinic, its remarkable founder and her team of experienced therapists treating patients struggling with the complexities of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Directed by Lauren Greenfield, this award-winning documentary follows eight teens as they confront their food issues in a safe environment. With incredible access to the inner workings.
4. Anorexia | Modern Eating Disorder Treatment Documentary
Emma Wants To Live is a powerful and heartbreaking documentary that follows Emma’s journey to recovery from anorexia. The film gives viewers an intimate look at the struggles faced by individuals living with eating disorders, as well as their families. It is an inspiring story of hope and resilience in the face of tremendous obstacles. Through interviews with family and friends.
5. Out of Sight – A documentary about invisible eating disorders
Out of Sight is an eye-opening documentary about the struggles faced by those suffering from eating disorders that are not always easily visible. As well as exploring the physical and psychological effects on individuals, this film also examines how families cope with the challenges associated with these conditions. Through interviews, medical experts, and archival footage from past decades, Out of Sight takes.
6. Starving for Perfection
This moving documentary follows the story of four anorexic women and their battles with this deadly disorder. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Roberta Grossman, Starving for Perfection sets out to expose the reality of the physical and psychological toll that comes with battling anorexia. The film captures heartbreaking interviews with patients, their families, and medical professionals in order to give insight into the struggles these individuals face in overcoming this mental illness. Featuring appearances by celebrities like Demi Lovato and Lady Gaga, Starving for Perfection is a must-see for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of eating disorders and how they can be treated.
7. Eating Disorders, The Deadly Secret
This is a powerful documentary that shines light on the dark side of eating disorders. Through the eyes of individuals and families who have been affected by anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders, this film reveals how these deadly conditions can be hidden away in plain sight for years before they are recognized. Featuring interviews with medical experts and those living with eating disorders themselves, Eating Disorders: The Deadly Secret delves into the physical and psychological implications of these secretive diseases.
8. Deadly Disorders: An Eating Disorder Documentary
Eating disorders can have a huge impact on people’s lives, so understanding these conditions is essential. This documentary offers an insightful and poignant look into the world of eating disorder treatment. It follows seven individuals as they bravely enter The Meadows Ranch for help, and reveals what life looks like living with an eating disorder. We get to see firsthand what a day of treatment looks like for them, giving us all invaluable insight into this complex condition.
9. Diabulimia: The World’s Most Dangerous Eating Disorder – Documentary on Eating Disorders
Diabulimia is a dangerous eating disorder that affects people with Type 1 diabetes, and it’s even more destructive than anorexia or bulimia. In this documentary, we take a look at the stories of Becky, Nabeelah, and Gemma – three brave individuals who are struggling to cope with diabulimia on a daily basis. Get an inside glimpse into their lives as they fight for recovery from this devastating illness. Discover why diabulimia is one of the 8 best documentaries about eating disorders and gain valuable insight into the challenges faced by those suffering from it.
10. Our Daughter Won’t Eat – Anorexia Eating Disorder Documentary
Our Daughter Won’t Eat is an emotional documentary about the struggles of 16-year old Vicki Carter with anorexia. Her parents had to fight her in court as she refused to be tube fed, but they managed to win the case. This moving story shows the difficulties faced by both sufferers and their families when dealing with eating disorders, making it one of the best documentaries on this subject.
11. THIN – Anorexia Eating Disorder Documentary
Living with an eating disorder is a difficult journey. In this documentary, we follow the stories of four brave girls and their struggles to overcome anorexia. It’s estimated that millions of people in the United States suffer from eating disorders and sadly, some may even die as a result. This film raises awareness about these illnesses while examining whether our healthcare system is equipped to handle them properly. Join us on this emotional journey into recovery!
12. Sara’s eating disorder ‘monster’ and her struggle to get help
From the devastating effects of the pandemic to younger cases on the rise, families are left desperate for help and support when it comes to life-threatening eating disorders. Four Corners has put together a documentary that looks at this crisis in depth, exploring how these families are dealing with their loved one’s illness as they search for treatment within a broken system. Discover what happens when all hope seems lost and see how these brave individuals persevere despite overwhelming odds.
13. The Truth about Eating Disorder Recovery | Facing Anorexia Nervosa Documentary
Living with anorexia can be a daily battle for survival. In this emotional documentary, we follow 11 year old Tessa and other sufferers of anorexia nervosa as they work to overcome their condition. We hear from them about becoming addicted to pro-anorexia websites, being too weak to walk and the impact it has had on their families. Doctors initially thought that she was too young to have an eating disorder but now she is fighting her way back into health, aided by Jessica Villerius who investigates what it’s really like living with anorexia in ‘Emma Wants To Live’. This film is a must-watch for anyone wanting to understand more about this devastating illness.
