What Is Eating Disorder Awareness Week

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an observance to bring awareness to the seriousness of eating disorders across the United States. It is estimated that over 28 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, body shapes, weights, socioeconomic statuses, and physical abilities. During NEDAW, the Office on Womens Health emphasizes the role that we can all play inpreventing eating disorders and ensuring those currently living with eating disorders have access to quality care and community support to fully recover. Together, we can make a difference!

How Eating Disorder Affect Your Health

Those with eating disorders are often unaware of the negative side effects associated with them or their severity. Below is a list of a few ways eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder can affect your health.

• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease

These conditions make early identification essential to minimize the impact on a persons health. Its also important to note that this is not a complete list of all of the potential side effects associated with eating disorders.

Ways To Embrace National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

• Meghan Lee | The Breeze

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is Feb. 21-27. Staff writer Meghan Lee lists tips and resources for self-care during this week.

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Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness, according to the Eating Disorders Coalition . The disorders affect people of all ages, genders and social groups. Feb. 21-27 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, a campaign focused on educating the public and providing support for those whove been affected by eating disorders, according to the National Eating Disorder Alliance .

The most common eating disorder in the U.S. is Binge Eating Disorder , which involves a loss of control while eating large amounts of food, followed by feelings of guilt, according to NEDA. Other types of eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder . Below are several resources and coping strategies to help those who are struggling.

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What Is Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating Disorders Awareness Week , is a campaign aimed at providing education on the different types of eating disorders and how to spot signs and symptoms. The campaign aims to fight for better access for treatment for people with eating disorders and educate medical professionals, at all levels, on how to spot an eating disorder and make appropriate referrals. The campaign encourages us to empower those with an eating disorder to make positive steps towards having a healthier relationship with their bodies and food.

In 2021, Eating Disorders Awareness Week focused on binge eating disorder. Itraised over £73,000 and saw 32 Members of Parliament add their signatures to the Early Day Motion, a programme aimed to help people recognise the signs of eating disorders early, and help prevent them becoming a serious health issue. In 2022, EDAW fell between Feb 28th and March 6th. The campaign focused on encouraging awareness and change through three key practices:

• Speak Up Say something if someone feels they or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder.

• Step Up Take initiative and face eating disorders head-on, by being proactive in seeking or helping others find support.

• Skill Up Learn more about eating disorders, their signs and symptoms, and the best ways to manage them.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2022

Rachel Levine, M.D. Dorothy Fink

More than 28 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Individuals of all ages, race/ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, body shapes, weights, socioeconomic statuses, and levels of physical activity can develop an eating disorder. Eating disorders are more likely to appear in teen years or young adulthood, and cases have increased among children, older adults, and military service members.

Eating disorders affect individuals from diverse backgrounds. Research shows that although Black women have similar or higher rates of binge eating as White women, Black individuals have been underrepresented in clinical trials. Individuals with higher body weight may benefit from having healthcare professionals who specialize in obesity and eating disorders collaborating on a treatment plan, yet their care is not often integrated which may hinder successful interventions. For many individuals who are LGBTQI+, bullying and intimidation heighten the need to seek help from health care providers. Sexual minority women often report higher BMI, body dissatisfaction, and eating pathology. Compared to non-athletes, athletes are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders, with female collegiate athletes being identified as higher risk than male athletes. Across demographics, eating disorders often go undertreated or untreated.

Were committed to improving care.

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Adm Rachel L Levine Md Assistant Secretary For Health Us Department Of Health And Human Services

There are many types of eating disorders. The most commonly talked about eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.

While eating disorders can affect anyone, research has shown that people of racial and ethnic minority groups are half as likely to be diagnosed or receive treatment. In addition, some studies report high rates of eating disorder symptoms among transgender communities. Eating disorders most often appear during the teen years or in young adults, but in recent years there has been an increase in cases among children and older adults. There is also a rise in eating disorders among military service members.

About This Research Topic

Keywords:Eating Disorder, Disordered Eating, Eating Pathology, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, Body Image, Body Dissatisfaction, Diversity, Inclusivity, Race, Ethnicity, Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, Weight Stigma, Discrimination, Nationality, Intersectional, Lifespan, Age, Gender Expression, Embodiment, Cross-Cultural, Marginalized, Global

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Keywords:Eating Disorder, Disordered Eating, Eating Pathology, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, Body Image, Body Dissatisfaction, Diversity, Inclusivity, Race, Ethnicity, Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, Weight Stigma, Discrimination, Nationality, Intersectional, Lifespan, Age, Gender Expression, Embodiment, Cross-Cultural, Marginalized, Global

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

It seems that everyone knows someone who is struggling with an eating disorder. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins the last Monday in February and brings education, support, and understanding to a deadly condition. All body types are encouraged to participate, share their experiences and come as they are, not as they think they should be.

Eating disorders are complex mental disorders that cause people to have excessive fear and anxiety. Their fears and anxiety emanate from eating, body image, and weight gain that lead to unhealthy behaviors.

Three of the most commonly diagnosed eating disorders include binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa. Weight-based teasing and bullying have also been identified as typical experiences for youth, particularly for those who may be heavier.

The good news is there is much better help than just a few years ago. Today, personalized custom treatments and therapies are available for people with eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week Is One Of The Biggest Opportunities For Us To Put Eating Disorders In The Spotlight

Every year, you join us in your hundreds to campaign on behalf of those affected, raise funds to support Beats vital services, and bravely share your own experiences.

For Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2021, we focused on raising awareness of binge eating disorder . BED is a serious mental illness where people eat large quantities of food over short periods of time, and often experience distressing feelings of being out of control. More people live with BED than with anorexia or bulimia, yet not many know the signs of BED or how to get help.

I am all for support for all eating disorders because I have struggled with them for a long time but seeing awareness for binge eating disorder is so important to me, especially in a society that judges you on your size.

EDAW 2021 was an enormous success here are just some of the highlights:

• 32 MPs signed our Early Day Motion, calling on the Government to ensure people with eating disorders get the treatment they need.
• Over 370 healthcare and education professionals attended our masterclasses on eating disorders.
• And you raised a record £73,724!

Watch our Helpline Advisor Tammy’s message to see the difference your fundraising makes to the people contacting our Helpline services.

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Who Do Eating Disorders Affect

Some people may believe that eating disorders only affect young women. However, this belief is false. In fact, eating disorders affect people of all:

• Genders
• Ethnic backgrounds
• Economic status

Moreover, there are different kinds of eating disorders. Furthermore, people experience eating disorders differently. For instance, some people experience periods of illness between times when they are feeling their best. In contrast, other peoples states of mental health are unchanging. In addition, some people experience eating disorders in response to triggers. For example, a person may develop an eating disorder after an upsetting life event. However, other people may have eating disorders without experiencing such an event.

Avoidant/restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is a new name for an old disorder.

The term replaces what was known as a feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood, a diagnosis previously reserved for children under 7 years old.

Although ARFID generally develops during infancy or early childhood, it can persist into adulthood. Whats more, its equally common among men and women.

Individuals with this disorder experience disturbed eating either due to a lack of interest in eating or distaste for certain smells, tastes, colors, textures, or temperatures.

Common symptoms of ARFID include:

avoidance or restriction of food intake that prevents the person from eating sufficient calories or nutrientseating habits that interfere with normal social functions, such as eating with othersweight loss or poor development for age and heightnutrient deficiencies or dependence on supplements or tube feeding

Its important to note that ARFID goes beyond normal behaviors, such as picky eating in toddlers or lower food intake in older adults.

Moreover, it does not include the avoidance or restriction of foods due to lack of availability or religious or cultural practices.

Summary ARFID is an eating disorder that causes people to undereat. This is either due to a lack of interest in food or an intense distaste for how certain foods look, smell, or taste.

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Where To Find Professional Help With An Eating Disorder

Facing an eating disorder can be a distressing and difficult experience. However, there are a number of ways one can help a friend or family member in managing better, and they are most effective when used in conjunction with professional help.

Do you or a loved one need professional help dealing with difficult mental health symptoms resulting from an eating disorder? Contact Psymplicity Healthcare today to speak with a trained medical secretary.

Use Apps To Help Stay On Track

According to NEDA, the best-known contributor to eating disorders is the sociocultural idealization of thinness. Social media can reinforce this idealization, showing carefully crafted and posed photos while selling them as real life. Minimizing social media use can help reduce body comparisons and the compulsion to excessively exercise and monitor food. Reducing phone use in general can improve mindfulness.

Even so, there are online tools and apps that can help as well. There are numerous screening quizzes available to monitor symptoms and possible warning signs, such as from Mental Health America. Additionally, there are eating disorder-specific apps like RR: Eating Disorder Management and Mindshift CBT, which are completely free available to help with promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety and journaling.

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Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2022

This years theme focuses on ensuring there is correct and adequate training on eating disorders available to health professionals. BEAT, the national eating disorder charity, are campaigning for all UK medical schools to introduce proper training.

A Focus on Lived Experience of Disordered Eating

This #EatingDisordersAwarenessWeek2022, ELFT aims to raise awareness of eating disorders through the voices of our local service users, carers and staff who share their personal insights through writing and art to highlight their lived experience.

How To Raise Awareness For Eating Disorders

There are various ways in which awareness can be raised for eating disorders, but one of the most common ways involves knowing how to spot the signs. Recognizing indications of eating disorders is crucial to potentially saving friends and family around you who may be suffering from an eating disorder.

Some key signs include:

• A preoccupation with calories: A person with an eating disorder may check food labels religiously, and become obsessed with the nutritional intake of a food. They may also start to restrict certain foods if they feel there is too much fat, or too many calories, listed on a label.
• Negative self-talk: A person may see themselves in a different way to how they appear in real life. Take note of any repetitive negative remarks they make towards their own appearance, especially regarding weight.
• Skipping meals or having smaller portions: If you notice a person consistently having smaller portions or repeatedly skipping meals, this may be a sign of dieting and/or an eating disorder.
• Withdrawal from friends and activities: A person may limit their social interactions and avoid events when they develop an eating disorder. This could be due to lack of energy or feelings of self-consciousness when being in public.
• Physical symptoms: Be aware of brittle nails, dry hair, or complaints of always feeling cold no matter the temperature. A person may also complain about feeling dizzy when they stand up or have difficulty concentrating.

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Seek Help From A Counselor

Educating yourself and changing your environment to encourage your recovery is beneficial, but seeking professional help can aid you in actually treating the eating disorder rather than just coping with it. According to NEDA, treatment normally includes psychological and nutritional counseling, as well as monitoring your medical and psychiatric needs. For on-campus treatment, the JMU Counseling Center has a specialized program called Help Overcome Problems with Eating and Exercise , defined on its website as a multidisciplinary team approach for students with disordered eating and exercise behaviors. Other options include inpatient or outpatient treatment within the community, such as treatment offered at the Harrisonburg Center for Healing.

If youre experiencing disordered eating or exercise, you dont have to do it alone. Practicing coping strategies, meeting with a counselor or reaching out to family and friends for help are always options. Recovery is possible with the correct support and treatment listed below are resources to help you on this path.

How To Observe #eatingdisordersawarenessweek

Encourage youth to eat healthily and to be active. Talk to your childs physician or another health provider if you notice signs and symptoms of an eating disorder. There are many other ways to participate:

• Host or attend a seminar about eating disorders.
• Intervene when you see bullying in action.
• Support the promotion of positive body image.
• Learn more at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.

Promote the day on social media with the hashtags #NEDAwareness & #ComeAsYouAre!

Set a good example Dont tease people about their weight. Dont talk negatively about other peoples bodies or your own.

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What Is An Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are complex mental disorders that cause a person to have excessive fear and anxiety about eating, body image, and weight gain that lead to unhealthy behaviors.

Three of the most commonly diagnosed eating disorders include binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa.

• Binge eating disorder: A person with binge eating disorder will eat too much and feel like they do not have control over how much they eat. What to look for: eating in secret, eating a lot of food quickly, and feelings of sadness or guilt about eating.
• Bulimia nervosa: A person with bulimia will overeat and then throw up on purpose or do something else to make up for what they ate, such as not eating or exercising a lot, so that they do not gain weight from eating too much. What to look for: hidden food wrappers, vomit, always going to the bathroom after eating, over-exercising, and moodiness.
• Anorexia nervosa: A person with anorexia often fears that they weigh too much, despite their weight being low. This fear drives them to try to lose weight or avoid weight gain by limiting the foods that they eat. What to look for: weight loss, talking about food and eating all the time, not eating, and withdrawing or other changes in mood.

Identity And Eating Disorders

Its important to remember that anybody can develop an eating disorder, no matter their race, gender, culture, religion, age, sexual orientation size, class, or any other aspects of their identity.

Most representations of eating disorders in the media focus on young, thin, straight, white women. Because of this, many of us stereotype and assume eating disorders seldom happen to anybody else.

Its important to remember that eating disorders can affect anyone. These stereotypes can also make it difficult for people to seek help and receive compassionate, culturally sensitive treatment.

The NEDA website has a range of resources for some of the specific communities that are affected by eating disorders, from the disability community to older adults and beyond.

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