Introduction:
Eating disorders (EDs) are considered one of the most widespread health issues, characterized by a complex clinical presentation, risk factors, and consequences. The aim of the study was to examine the attitudes and opinions of students from medical versus non-medical fields in the Silesian Voivodeship regarding the issue of EDs.

Material and methods:
The research questions were distributed in the form of an online questionnaire. The study included 217 participants, and the data were analyzed using MS Excel and Statistica.

Results:
No statistically significant relationship was found between medical and non-medical students regarding their focus on eating habits, need for dietary changes, or self-assessed EDs knowledge. Students in earlier years showed a significantly higher tendency to observe their eating behavior. Nearly half of the respondents reported having experience of an ED; they were significantly more common among women. A total of 87.6% considered EDs an important social and public health issue. Most knew someone affected by ED, but either could not determine whether these individuals are socially excluded or stigmatized or stated that they are not. Parental awareness and influence were most frequently indicated as the basis for preventing EDs, while school and social media were identified as key channels for information about EDs.

Conclusions:
Despite differences between medical and non-medical fields, views and experiences of EDs appear similar, with factors such as age, gender, or year of study potentially being more important. EDs affect women more often and are more widely recognized by them. Given the respondents’ interest in EDs and its importance, more effort should be directed toward prevention and the identification of risk factors, especially regarding social media.