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[February 20 – February 26]: National Eating Disorder Awareness Week – The Power of Education

Monday, Feb 20  •  

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Every year, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) holds a week-long nationwide campaign to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders. This is a time for people struggling with an eating disorder, those who have recovered, those who love someone with one, and mental health professionals to join forces to gain knowledge and promote healing.

The mission of NEDA’s annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to celebrate progress toward recovery while raising awareness around the various issues surrounding these potentially life-threatening illnesses. The event also pays tribute to the fight against misconceptions —such as that only women can suffer from an eating disorder —while advocating for greater inclusion of diverse perspectives in public dialogue.

In order to spread knowledge and support throughout this wellness journey, NEDA has implemented several initiatives such as educational materials including resources on identifying warning signs; interactive experiences like Q&A sessions with medical specialists; scientific data from research studies; specialized mental health toolkits; virtual support groups; and more. All these offerings are available online so anyone can access them at any time during the week-long event or afterward—at no cost.

This annual event opens up conversations about a once-taboo subject in a way that invites everyone affected by it into the fold. It not only fosters a sense of solidarity between individuals across different backgrounds but also demonstrates how far we’ve come as a society in recognizing the challenges associated with eating disorders and developing effective ways of treating them. During this time period, people recognize each other’s stories and accomplishments while creating new opportunities for shared understanding.

Above all, NEDA Week seeks to educate participants on how they can work together toward healthier mindsets regarding food, body size and shape, nutrition science, self-care practices, and positive lifestyle choices. Those who choose to engage will leave with a deeper appreciation of their own story as well as better insight into various perspectives surrounding this illness—equipping them with the tools necessary to take control over their own well-being in ways they may never have considered before. Whether you’re facing an eating disorder yourself or reaching out on behalf of someone else, there’s power in becoming informed during this special week set aside each year.

At Avalon Hills Eating Disorder Specialists, we’re celebrating NEDA Week by sharing some statistics that will give you hope, if you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder. With the proper help from professionals, there is hope for a full life of recovery.

  • According to NEDA, over 30 million people in the US suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime.
  • 95% of individuals with anorexia nervosa can fully recover with professional treatment and self-help strategies.
  • A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that up to 81% of those with bulimia nervosa were able to achieve full remission after professional treatment.
  • 91% of patients in a 10-year study found success in treating binge eating disorder with cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, lifestyle management, and more.
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