Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. The only current treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, which can increase focus on food and lead to disordered eating.

Research shows a bidirectional link: people with coeliac disease are more likely to develop an eating disorder, and those with anorexia are at increased risk of a coeliac diagnosis. Large population studies have found this overlap occurs regardless of which condition is diagnosed first. A gluten-free diet can heighten food anxiety, obsessive behaviours, or distress around eating, and changes in weight as a result of the diet may also trigger body image concerns.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can also often develop from avoiding foods to prevent symptoms rather than weight concerns. This can lead to severe restriction and anxiety.

Symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and fear of eating due to pain can overlap between coeliac disease and eating disorders, making diagnosis tricky and increasing risk.