The Hidden Impact of Workplace Diet Culture & Eating Disorders

Would You Feel Comfortable Telling Your Boss You Have an Eating Disorder?

For many people, the answer is no. Research shows that 2 in 3 employees would NOT feel comfortable disclosing an eating disorder at work.

Why?

Because workplace culture is deeply intertwined with diet culture, body image expectations, and productivity pressures, all of which can make it incredibly difficult for employees struggling with food and body concerns to feel supported.

How Workplace Diet Culture Manifests

For someone with an eating disorder or a history of disordered eating, these everyday interactions can feel isolating, invalidating, and even triggering.

Even in well-meaning environments, diet culture sneaks into professional spaces in ways that can be harmful:

Lunch shaming: Comments like “Oh, you’re eating THAT for lunch?” or “I wish I could eat like you and stay thin.”
Skipping meals = dedication: Employees praised for “working through lunch” or “not needing a break.”
Casual weight talk: Office conversations about the latest diet trends, weight loss goals, or “guilty” foods.
Health programs with a weight focus: Workplace wellness initiatives that prioritise weight loss over actual health.
Limited food options: Office events and catered meetings that don’t accommodate all dietary needs, often reinforcing restrictive eating patterns.

Why This Matters

Workplace environments often unknowingly perpetuate diet culture, creating an atmosphere where employees feel pressured to conform to unrealistic body standards. This pressure can significantly increase stress levels, particularly for those already struggling with eating disorders. The constant exposure to diet talk and body shaming can exacerbate disordered eating behaviors, making it difficult for individuals to focus on recovery. The fear of judgment and lack of understanding from colleagues can lead to feelings of isolation, further hindering the healing process.

Workplaces that unknowingly uphold diet culture can:

Increase stress and anxiety for employees struggling with food and body image.
Contribute to disordered eating behaviours due to pressure to “fit in.”
Make recovery harder by reinforcing harmful beliefs about food, weight, and productivity.

How to Create a Healthier Workplace Culture

Avoid food and body talk in professional settings. Instead of “I shouldn’t eat this,” try “This meal is really satisfying.”
Make lunch breaks a norm, not a luxury. Encourage employees to step away from their desks and nourish themselves without guilt.
Provide truly inclusive wellness programs. Health-focused initiatives should prioritise mental and emotional well-being over weight.
Educate leadership and HR teams. Awareness around eating disorders and diet culture is key to fostering an inclusive environment.
Ensure workplace policies support mental health. Flexible work schedules, access to counselling, and a culture of open conversations about well-being can make a difference.