National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2010

NEDAIt’s been awhile since my last post, so I figured it was my turn to write. Some of you may not have known, but last week was National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. It started last Sunday and ran through Saturday February 27th. According to nationaleatingdisorders.org (NEDA) “the purpose of this week is to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment”.

There are four types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and ED-NOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). Eating disorders affect over ten million females and over one million males in the United States alone. Considering how many people struggle with an eating disorder, you probably know someone whose life has been touched by an ED in some way or another.

It’s important to realize that eating disorders can affect anyone – regardless of age, race, or gender. I personally know people who have an eating disorder, and they include both girls and guys, teens, and adults. I’ve learned that the support of family and friends for the individuals who are battling this disorder is the key to recovery. Learning the facts about ED’s and knowing where to get help can also make a huge difference. That’s why the NEDA is has one simple request; to help them raise awareness and provide accurate information about eating disorders.

For more information on how you can help spread awareness, please visit NEDA’s website.
For more information about eating disorders from our website, click here.

-Emily