National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is a time to focus on educating the public about eating disorders – to provide information, support, visibility, and hope to everyone affected by eating disorders. This year, EDAW runs from Feb. 23 to March 1 with a theme Every BODY Belongs.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health (OWH), it’s estimated that over 28 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. During the week, OWH encourages organizations, health professionals, and communities to increase awareness of disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, share best practices for improving the quality of care, and engage in conversations about healthy eating and body image.
Eating disorders affect Americans of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, body shapes, weights, and socioeconomic statuses. While eating disorders can affect anyone, research has shown that people of color, and gender diverse and transgender individuals are among those least likely to receive a diagnosis or appropriate care. Eating disorders most often appear during the teen years or in young adults, however in recent years there has been an increase in cases among children and older adults.
Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious illnesses that are associated with disruptions in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Preoccupations with food, body, weight, and shape may be signs of an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Risk Factors for Eating Disorders
Risk factors for eating disorders can include various biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Some of the most commons risk factors include:
- Body dissatisfaction
- Bullying
- Appearance ideal internalization
- Anxiety disorder
- Limited social networks
- Historical trauma
- Having a close relative with an eating disorder
- Sexual trauma in childhood
- Experience of violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Food insecurity
Eating Disorders and Women’s Health
Eating disorders can negatively affect the body in many of ways. Untreated eating disorders can cause cardiovascular disease, tooth loss, gastrointestinal issues, seizures, brain damage, sleep apnea, bone loss, and many other health conditions. They can negatively impact reproductive and maternal health outcomes and can lead to miscarriage, low birthweight, obstetric complications, and postpartum depression. Eating disorders are also associated with an increase in anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. The combination of these factors can contribute to job loss, reduced productivity, and significant healthcare costs related to care, treatment, and support services. With early detection and intervention, full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.
Events, Education and Community
Throughout NEDAW, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) will host webinars, learning sessions, and community conversations to raise awareness, share resources, and engage the public. You can follow along, join in, and interact with the NEDA on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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