The National Eating Disorders Association, or NEDA, is an organization formed in 2001, which aims to campaign for prevention, improve treatment, and increase funding to better treat and understand eating disorders. Recently, they have started a National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which spans from February 22nd to the 28th this year.
The theme for this year’s Awareness Week is “I Had No Idea.” The goal is to focus on the importance of early detection and to recognize the diverse experiences people have had with their eating disorder(s).
Eating disorders do not discriminate and nearly “20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life.” The most prominent eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Both on social media and within the media, we can see how common eating disorders are among people. Recently, there was significant controversy around a T shirt released by Urban Outfitters, which read “Eat Less.” The release of the shirt was extremely concerning because it seemed to be making the idea of ‘eating less’ a trend. Eating disorders can be stimulated by items such as these or images seen in the media.
There is no question that body image for many people is an issue, and yet, we often do not try to help those who are coping with it.
National Eating Disorders Week tries to confront this issue by showing people ways they can get help if they suffer from an eating disorder. The campaign also sheds light on how to tell if someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder. The Awareness Week is all about educating the public about the reality of eating disorders.
1. What are types of eating disorders?
- Anorexia nervosa: low food intake, which leads to unhealthy weight loss.
- Bulimia nervosa: episodes of large food intake followed by behavior to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting.
- Binge eating disorder: episodes of large food intake without behavior to prevent weight gain.
2. What are the signs of an eating disorder?
- Frequent comments about feeling “fat”
- Obsession with weight, food, calories, exercise, and dieting
- Dramatic weight loss or gain
- Denial of hunger
- Symptoms of purging
- Withdrawal from friends and usual activities
3. What do I do if I think my friend has an eating disorder?
- Explain your concern
- Express support
- Ask friend to explore your concerns with a professional
4. What should I not do?
- Place guilt
- Talk excessively about appearance
- Tell everyone
- Force more help than is welcomed
The National Eating Disorders Association also encourages people to tweet with the hashtag #NEDAwareness.
Eating disorders are not something to ignore. They can lead to severe health concerns and can even prove fatal if the person becomes malnourished enough.
If you or someone you know think they have eating disorder, you can go to www.MyBodyScreening.org for a free online screening. You can also call the NEDA helpline at 1 (800) 931-2237.