Eating Disorder Awareness Week
An estimated 9% of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder in their lifetime, while 80-90% of people with eating disorders (ED) never access treatment.
EDs have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, surpassed only by opioid addiction.
Awareness
Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about eating disorders, their impact, prevention, and the importance of early intervention. We can reduce the stigma by understanding what the root cause. Eating disorders develop due to a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, environmental, and societal factors.
Some contributing factors to EDs include:
Genetics:
There's evidence that genetics play a role in predisposing individuals to eating disorders. Certain genetic factors may increase susceptibility to developing these conditions.
Psychological Factors:
Psychological factors like low self-esteem, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, impulsivity, depression, or trauma can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Individuals may use disordered eating behaviors as a way to cope with emotions or to exert control in their lives.
Environmental Influences:
Cultural pressures, societal ideals of beauty, and unrealistic standards regarding weight and appearance can significantly impact the development of eating disorders, especially in vulnerable individuals. Constant exposure to unrealistic body standards portrayed in media, social media, and advertising can influence body image perceptions and contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors.
Family Dynamics:
Family relationships and dynamics can influence the development of eating disorders. This might include a history of family dieting, weight-related teasing, or family attitudes toward body image and food.
Dieting and Weight Control Behaviors:
Extreme dieting or engaging in weight control behaviors can increase the risk of developing eating disorders, especially if it becomes obsessive or leads to cycles of restriction and overeating.
Life Transitions and Stress:
Major life changes, transitions, or stressful events can trigger or exacerbate eating disorder behaviors in susceptible individuals.
It's important to note that each individual's experience with an eating disorder is unique, and the causes and contributing factors can vary widely. Understanding these factors is crucial for prevention, early intervention, and providing appropriate support and treatment to individuals affected by eating disorders.
EDs are being diagnosed in children more frequently than before.
By age 6, girls especially start to express concerns about their own weight or shape. 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern endures through life.
Identifying if someone is struggling with an eating disorder can be challenging, but there are signs and behaviors that may indicate a problem. Here are some things to look out for:
Changes in Eating Habits:
Watch for significant changes in eating patterns, such as restrictive eating, avoiding meals, frequent dieting, secretive eating, or consuming large amounts of food in a short time (binge eating).
Obsession with Food, Weight, or Body Image:
Pay attention if the person constantly talks about food, weight, calories, or body image. Obsessive thoughts or preoccupation with these topics might indicate an eating disorder.
Physical Signs:
Be mindful of physical changes like noticeable weight loss or gain, fluctuations in weight, extreme fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, dry skin, or changes in menstrual cycles (for females).
Behavioral Changes:
Look for behavioral signs such as avoiding social situations involving food, excessive exercising, frequent trips to the bathroom after meals (which could indicate purging), or hoarding food.
Emotional and Psychological Signs:
Notice changes in mood, including irritability, anxiety, depression, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities. Eating disorders often coincide with emotional distress.
Clothing Choices:
Wearing baggy or layered clothing, even in warm weather, might be an attempt to hide changes in body shape or size.
Food Rituals or Rules:
Pay attention to rigid food rituals, such as cutting food into very small pieces or eating in a specific order. Establishing strict rules about what can or cannot be eaten is also a potential sign.
Preoccupation with Exercise:
Excessive or compulsive exercising, especially when it causes distress or interferes with daily activities, might indicate a problem.
Denial or Defensiveness:
People with eating disorders often deny or downplay their behaviors when confronted. They might become defensive or secretive about their eating habits or body concerns.
What you can do:
If you notice several of these signs in someone you care about, it might indicate that they are struggling with an eating disorder. It's essential to approach the situation with care, empathy, and support, encouraging the individual to seek professional help from a healthcare provider, therapist, or counselor specializing in eating disorders.
Resources:
Project Heal - List of Free ED Support Groups
ED Foundation - Support Groups
Podcasts:
Maintenance Phase
Food Psych
Melissa Toler's: "Hearing Our Own Voice"
Body Positive Instagram handles:
decolonizing_fitness
THENUTRITIONTEA
JESSICAWILSON.MSRD
DISRUPTDIETCULTURE
RECLAIMINGOURPLATE
alexis_m_newman
FIT.FLEXIBLE.FLUID
FOODHEAVEN
sonyareneetaylor
We all face challenges in life, but we’re here to support each other through them. We offer a very intentional & supportive approach to nutrition that can help individuals work through patterns & beliefs leading to disordered eating behaviors, giving them freedom with food & confidence for life.
We are founded on the belief that in everything we do, we are all craving happiness and joy, and feeling great in your body is the best way to achieve it.
NOTE: the information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice