Background Carers of people with an eating disorder describe feelings of stress, anxiety, isolation and hopelessness.

Aim To explore the needs of carers who support a loved one with an eating disorder.

Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants who were recruited from eating disorders charities that provide help to carers and people with the condition.

Findings Thematic analysis was conducted to draw out the main findings: carers’ health and wellbeing, social health, the role of the carer and service development. Themes also identified that carers’ needs were secondary to those of their loved ones and that love acted as a motivation for them to continue in this caring role.

Conclusion Family-centred care approaches commonly seen in children and adolescent services could be adopted in mental health services so that carers can be involved in the care of their loved ones.