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98% of American women are not as thin as fashion models. The average American woman is 5’4 and weighs 165 pounds. And 50% of girls use unhealthy weight control behaviors, such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking, vomiting and taking laxatives. And these are just a few startling statistics from NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) info graphics page on their website. The theme for 2014 is “I Had No Idea”, representing the fact that many individuals are not aware of the high prevalence of those with eating disorders around them, and whether or not they might have an eating disorder themselves.
One of the most surprising things about eating disorders is that people, who might have one, do not often recognize it. In addition to this, the symptoms of an eating are not always obvious. The NEDA website explains, “A popular misconception about eating disorders is that if someone has one, it will be obvious by their low weight and starvation habits. However, those suffering from eating disorders can be of any weight and are often adept at hiding their illness.”
Another challenge presented by eating disorders is how to approach an individual who might be suffering. Some “do’s” and “don’ts” to remember are below…
- DO learn the difference between facts and myths about weight, nutrition and exercise.
- DO ask what you can do to help.
- DO explain the reasons for our concerns, without mentioning specific eating behavior.
At the same time, NEDA recommends not to do the following…
- DON’T invade privacy and contact the patient’s doctors, friends or others to check up behind his/her back.
- DON’T demand weight changes (even is clinically necessary for health).
- DON’T Offer more help than you are qualified to give.
At W&M there are multiple resources that students can reach out to receive help for an eating disorder. The Counseling Center, the Student CARES team, as well as online resources are available to those who need resolution. The links to these organizations are below. Most of all, if you know someone who might be suffering, it is important to become educated about eating disorders yourself first, and then take the action to help.
NEDA Website – http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
NEDA Week 2014 –http://nedawareness.org/
NEDA Infographic –http://nedawareness.org/sites/default/files/Women.png
William and Mary Counseling Center –http://www.wm.edu/offices/counselingcenter/
William and Mary- Physical Wellness-Eating Disorders – http://www.wm.edu/sites/mhwc/physical/eatingdisorders/index.php
William and Mary CARES Team – http://wmpeople.wm.edu/site/page/cares/home