Eating Disorder Awareness Week

There is no ‘one way’ to define an eating disorder (ED). Whether it’s anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or something else many people suffer and receive no help. Eating disorders range in severity—in severe cases they can lead to hospitalization or even death. 

Eating disorder awareness week is to raise awareness and assist more people suffering with eating disorders to get help. February 27-3 was eating disorder awareness week in 2023. There are many ways to observe eating disorder awareness week. You can volunteer on a helpline, further educate yourself, or share personal experiences/ success stories to let people know they are not alone.

Eating disorders date back as far as the 12th century as binge eating, the consumption of large quantities of food in a short period of time, was very common among wealthy Romans. Many wealthy people would also indulge in large meals then to relieve themselves by vomiting. This is often classified as bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by regular, often secretive bouts of overeating followed by self-induced vomiting or purging.

This purging was a practice in many ancient Egyptian and Greek societies thought to prevent diseases caused by food. Many ancient women would also starve themselves because it was believed that desiring food was a sin. Anorexia nervosa is another common eating disorder. Anorexia is an eating disorder causing people to obsess about weight and what they eat.

Eating disorders have no distinct look, they can be specific to each individual.

The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is the largest non-profit eating disorder focused association. The NEDA established national eating disorder awareness week in hopes that more people could get the help they need. This week-long event has taken place every year for the past 30 years and has allowed many people all over America to band together and support those suffering from eating disorders as well as educate on many common misconceptions.

There are many ways to get help if you suffer from any of these eating disorders. Click here to access the eating disorder hotline webpage. This website gives you access to numerous ways to get help including an online chat, a number to call, and a number to text. Recovery is possible. Eating disorders are a very serious matter. If you are suffering, get the help you need. Everyone deserves to be healthy and feel good.

Eating Disorders are common and treatable. If you think you have an ED or any other triggers, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible or the resources below.

Helpful Resources:
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA): Call or Text (800) 931-2237– Contact for support, resources, or treatment options.
Crisis Services: Dial 211 – Help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe.