National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA)?

Once a year, mental health professionals will come together to promote National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (#NEDAwareness) to young Americans.

This is an important week for those who work in the mental health field, especially those who work with teenaged and young adult women, who tend to be most affected with eating disorders. The purpose of this awareness week is two-fold.

First, the week aims at uniting mental health professionals on these important conditions that have real and dangerous physical side effects and can even be fatal.

Second, the week aims to educate people, especially teens and young adults, that “regardless of your body shape, weight, race, gender identity, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or your stage of body acceptance and eating disorder recovery, your story is valid and deserves to be heard.”

What Are Eating Disorders?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders are an illness in which a person has a severe disturbance in their eating habits, and that disturbance is associated with related thoughts and emotions. Most people who develop an eating disorder become extremely preoccupied and focused on the food they eat, their weight, and their body image.

Some people diagnosed with eating disorders also become extremely fixated on exercising, all in an effort to achieve what they view as an ideal weight and body image which, in reality, is an unhealthy weight and body mass index (BMI) for them.

What Types of Eating Disorders Are There?

There are three main types of eating disorders:

• Anorexia nervosa, which is diagnosed when a person has a BMI of at least 15% lower than what is considered healthy for their height. Anorexia patients typically eat a significantly limited diet, meaning they don’t get enough calories in a day to be healthy. They’re also afraid of being considered “fat” and have associated body image issues. In fact, many people with anorexia don’t even consider their dangerously low body weight and BMI an issue – they’re in denial that it’s a legitimate health concern. People with anorexia may suffer from a variety of physical side effects, including anemia, low blood pressure, and a cessation of menstrual periods.
• Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person diets and exercises frequently, only to “binge” on a large amount of food in a short period of time. The stomach pain from this habit, along with the concerns of weight and body image then leads the person to purge the food they binged, either by throwing up or taking a laxative. People with bulimia nervosa come in all shapes and sizes, from underweight to overweight, so it can be a harder eating disorder for loved ones to discover unless the affected person asks for help or is caught purging. Physical side effects of bulimia include intestinal problems, kidney issues, and severe dehydration.
• Binge eating disorder is a lesser-known eating disorder, but it’s still very unhealthy. With this condition, affected individuals will go through periods of time in which they quickly binge and eat an excessive amount of calories. Unlike those who have bulimia, though, people affected by binge eating disorder don’t purge their binged food. As a result, many people with this eating disorder develop health complications including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Who Develops Eating Disorders?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the average age of onset for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is 18, while the average age of onset for binge eating disorder is 21. While television shows and movies commonly depict girls and women as having eating disorders, the National Eating Disorder Association reports boys and men make up 25% of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa patients, and 40% of people affected by binge eating disorder.

Key Takeaways on National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a vital initiative that unites professionals, families, and communities to confront conditions that often remain hidden but carry life-threatening risks. The campaign highlights that eating disorders affect people of all genders, backgrounds, and ages, while reinforcing that early recognition and intervention can save lives. Raising awareness creates opportunities for honest conversations, stronger support networks, and better access to treatment.

1. The week is held every year during the last week of February to raise awareness and support early intervention.
2. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, each with serious physical and emotional impacts.
3. These conditions affect both men and women, with men making up a significant portion of diagnosed cases.
4. Complications can include anemia, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and long-term emotional struggles.
5. Awareness efforts remind people that every story is valid, regardless of body type, gender, or stage of recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorders and Awareness Week

Who is most at risk of developing an eating disorder?

While young women are often portrayed in media, eating disorders impact people of all ages and genders. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that men make up a significant percentage of those diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.

Can eating disorders be fatal?

Yes. Eating disorders carry some of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric conditions. Complications such as organ failure, severe dehydration, or heart problems can be life-threatening if untreated.

How can someone tell if a loved one might have an eating disorder?

Warning signs include extreme concern with weight or body image, avoiding meals, noticeable changes in eating habits, frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, and withdrawal from social activities.

What role do healthcare professionals play during Awareness Week?

Healthcare professionals use this time to educate the public, advocate for early treatment, and provide resources for families. They also collaborate on events that reduce stigma and promote evidence-based care.

Are eating disorders only about food and weight?

No. While they often center around eating habits and body image, eating disorders are complex conditions tied to emotions, self-perception, and psychological struggles. Therapy and medical care address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.