National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

We are now half way through National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and I figure it's about time I say something about it.

Let me begin by reminding you all that I am not a dietitian, nutritionist or specialist in this area, but I did want to dedicate a post to this campaign because it is incredibly important and deserves a bit of attention. Unfortunately, I haven't heard much about this week in the media and that bothers me a bit. Some people may not even realize that it's going on.

Here are a few facts I found on the National Eating Disorders Association website.

1. In the US, as many as 10million women and 1 million men are suffering from anorexia or bullemia and possibly another 15 million suffering from a binge eating disorder.
2. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, but a condition brought on by a combination of behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, biological and social factors.
3. 80% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat.
4. Eating disorders effect people in all socioeconomic levels

The good news is that these disorders, along with disordered eating (which is also very prevalent and shouldn't be ignored), can be treated and reversed. Also, through awareness, education, and support, we can help prevent these disorders from taking over the lives of our friends and family members.

Because I am not a specialist in this area, I feel the best thing I can do is direct you all to resources where you can learn more about eating disorders, treatment options, and tips on recognizing the signs that someone may have an eating disorder.

Here are a few websites I encourage you to check out today:
National Eating Disorders Assocation: This site has a lot of great, detailed information as well as additional links and resources.
Myths about Eating Disorders: Read this to learn the real truths about eating disorders.
Academy for Eating Disorders: An international professional organization that also has in depth information for the public.
Operation Beautiful: An amazing website started by Caitlin (at the Healthy Tipping Point) that encourages people to end 'fat talk' and understand that there is more to a person than what is on the outside.
Health for the Whole Self: This is a great post by Katie, about the National Eating Disorders Awareness Week that you should check out. 

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from an unhealthy relationship with food, please, don't sit by and let it get worse. Take action and change a life. We only have one life on this earth and it might as well be lived as healthfully and happily as possible!