Eating Disorders in Military and Veteran Populations: Breaking the Silence and Finding Hope

By Erin Gilmore, LICSW, CEDS-C, EMDR Therapist, NASM Nutrition Coach

Eating disorders are often misunderstood or overlooked in the military and veteran community—but growing research shows that service members and veterans face these struggles just as often, if not more, than civilians. Unfortunately, stigma, underdiagnosis, and cultural barriers frequently prevent those affected from seeking the help they deserve. As a trauma and eating disorder therapist, I want to help raise awareness and provide hope to those in uniform and those who have served.

The Facts: How Common Are Eating Disorders in Military and Veteran Populations?

Research shows that military service members and veterans experience eating disorders at rates equal to—or greater than—those in civilian populations. One large study found that approximately 1 in 3 veteran women and 1 in 5 veteran men meet clinical criteria for an eating disorder (Buchholz et al., 2018). However, while only 0.24% of veterans’ medical records show a diagnosis, screening studies reveal that 15–25% actually meet criteria—highlighting how severely underdiagnosed this issue remains (Herman et al., 2022). Between 2013 and 2016, eating disorder diagnoses among military members rose by nearly 44% (Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch, 2017)—yet many still go untreated.

Why So Many Don’t Seek Treatment

Despite these alarming statistics, many veterans and service members do not seek treatment for their eating disorders. Career concerns remain a significant deterrent—disclosing a mental health issue may jeopardize deployment readiness or advancement. Additionally, many service members internalize the belief that they must “push through” discomfort, which can make it difficult to recognize disordered eating as a serious medical concern. Misconceptions about who struggles with eating disorders—particularly the false belief that they only affect young women—further discourage help-seeking, especially among men and older veterans (NEDA, 2024).

The Culture of Stigma

Military culture emphasizes strength, control, and endurance. While these traits are essential for service, they can inadvertently foster silence around emotional or psychological struggles. Body image is closely tied to performance expectations, and strict weight standards often lead to dangerous behaviors that go unchecked. Seeking treatment for an eating disorder may be viewed as incompatible with the image of a disciplined warrior. Among male service members, who make up the majority of the military, there’s an added layer of shame due to stereotypes that eating disorders are “feminine” conditions. This prevents many from reaching out, even when in distress (Mitchell et al., 2020).

Additional Barriers to Treatment Access

A major hurdle is the difficulty of navigating care through the VA or TRICARE systems. Waitlists for mental health providers, limited availability of specialized eating disorder programs, and bureaucratic red tape all serve to delay care. Rural veterans, in particular, may lack access to providers trained in eating disorders. Even when care is technically covered, some veterans are unsure how to initiate services or face denial of coverage for higher levels of care like residential treatment (VA Office of Inspector General, 2021).

Transition Stress and Identity Loss

The transition from active-duty service to civilian life is a vulnerable time. Veterans often face identity disruption, isolation, and loss of structure—factors that can intensify or trigger disordered eating behaviors. Many use food or exercise as a way to cope with anxiety, grief, or the feeling of no longer having purpose. Without adequate transition support, veterans may fall through the cracks, especially if their eating disorder symptoms are masked by co-occurring issues like PTSD, substance use, or chronic pain (Smith et al., 2020).

Lack of Trauma-Informed and Culturally Competent Care

Many veterans have experienced complex trauma, moral injury, or combat exposure—factors that often intertwine with disordered eating. Unfortunately, not all eating disorder treatment programs are equipped to address the nuances of military trauma. Veterans may feel misunderstood or unsafe in traditional recovery settings. The lack of providers who are both trauma-informed and knowledgeable about military culture can contribute to early dropout or avoidance of treatment altogether (Kaye et al., 2021).

Suicide Risk and Eating Disorders in Military Populations

The connection between eating disorders and suicide is well-documented. Among civilians, individuals with eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition—surpassed only by opioid use disorder—with suicide being a leading cause (Arcelus et al., 2011). This risk is compounded in military and veteran populations, who already face elevated suicide rates due to trauma, stigma, and limited access to care. Veterans with untreated eating disorders may experience intense shame, hopelessness, and isolation—risk factors that increase suicidality (Nock et al., 2019). Recognizing and addressing eating disorders is not just about improving quality of life; it’s a potentially life-saving intervention.

Progress and Hope: Signs of Change

Thankfully, awareness is growing—and with it, progress. In 2025, researchers from Yale, UCSF, and the VA launched the first screening tool tailored specifically for veterans, helping to catch cases earlier. The Department of Defense has funded major studies after noting a 44% uptick in eating disorder diagnoses among active-duty members. Legislative efforts such as the Anna Westin Legacy Act (2022), the SERVE Act, and provisions in the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act aim to improve TRICARE coverage for residential and specialized eating disorder treatment. Public awareness campaigns like Eating Disorder Awareness Week in VA facilities are also helping to spotlight the issue and encourage outreach to veterans.

Moving Forward: What Still Needs to Be Done

There is still much work ahead to ensure that every veteran and service member struggling with an eating disorder receives proper care. Routine screening for eating disorders must become standard practice in VA and military healthcare settings. Reducing stigma through education for providers and leadership is crucial. TRICARE coverage should be expanded to include all levels of eating disorder treatment. Increased outreach is needed to ensure veterans know where and how to seek help. Finally, ongoing research is essential to improve diagnosis and treatment, especially for less-recognized cases.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you care about is a veteran or active-duty member struggling with an eating disorder, please know this: you are not alone. Your experience is valid. Recovery is possible. There are compassionate professionals, veteran service organizations, and VA providers working hard to break outdated norms and help you heal.

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References (APA Style)

• Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724–731. https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.74
• Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch. (2017). ED visits and hospitalizations for eating disorders among active component service members. https://health.mil
• Buchholz, L. J., et al. (2018). Prevalence of disordered eating among veterans. Military Medicine, 183(5-6), e198–e202.
• Herman, J. L., et al. (2022). Underdiagnosis of eating disorders in veteran populations. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(1), 55.
• Kaye, W. H., et al. (2021). Trauma and eating disorders: A call for military-sensitive, trauma-informed care. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(4), 303–312.
• Mitchell, K. S., et al. (2020). Disordered eating in male veterans: A cultural analysis. Eating Behaviors, 38, 101399.
• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). (2024). Eating disorders in the military. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
• Nock, M. K., et al. (2019). Suicide and eating disorders: What we know and what we need to learn. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 49(1), 128–137.
• Smith, B. N., et al. (2020). Post-deployment transition and mental health risk factors. Military Behavioral Health, 8(2), 148–157.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. (2021). Veterans’ access to eating disorder treatment. https://www.va.gov/oig

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Resource List for Immediate Support

Resource	Details
Veterans Crisis Line	Call 988, press 1, or text 838255 – Available 24/7 for veterans, service members, and families.
S.A.V.E. (VA Suicide Prevention)	Clinical team trained in military-related mental health issues.
Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA)	Peer support meetings—including virtual—available nationwide.
NEDA Helpline	Call or chat at 1-800-931-2237 for ED support and referrals.
Give an Hour	Free mental health services for military-connected individuals.
TRICARE	Covers medically necessary ED care—contact your case manager or service representative for details.
Project HEAL	Offers free clinical assessments, insurance navigation, treatment placement, cash assistance, and meal support; recently partnered with SEA WAVES to offer one-hour virtual screenings for service members, veterans, and their families.
SEA WAVES	Nonprofit providing resources, advocacy, education, and early screening/training for military and veteran communities; connected with Military OneSource and launched MEDAL training to address ED stigma in uniform.
Local Vet Centers & Nonprofits	Community-based counseling and ED programming—check your state’s veterans affairs website for listings.