By Ken Ohki
Monday – February 24 – Sunday, March 2
Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is an annual campaign designed to enlighten the public about the reality of eating disorders. Running from February 24 to March 2, 2025, EDAW is dedicated to giving hope and support to those suffering from eating disorders.
Eating disorders can be difficult to recognize. The key to treating eating disorders is to notice signs such as:
- lack of appetite, or interest in food
- dramatic weight loss
- upset stomach
- gastrointestinal issues with no known cause
- progressive “picky eating”
Common eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa: Extreme restriction of food intake due to intense fear of weight gain.
- Bulimia nervosa: Cycles of binge eating followed by purging to avoid weight gain.
- Binge-eating disorder: Repeated episodes of consuming large quantities of food without purging.
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): Limited eating due to sensitivities or fear of adverse effects such as choking.
Myths and facts surrounding eating disorders:
Myth: Eating disorders are a choice.
Fact: They are serious mental health conditions influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
Myth: Only women are affected.
Fact: Eating disorders impact all genders, ages, and body types.
Myth: You can tell by someone’s weight.
Fact: They can affect people of any size.
Myth: It’s just about food.
Fact: They often stem from deeper issues like trauma, anxiety, or societal pressures.
Eating disorders can affect people of any age, and it’s important to be aware of the misconceptions and biases surrounding them. By sharing accurate information, we can reduce stigma, which might help those affected in seeking professional assistance. Any professional help from therapists, dietitians, and medical professionals specializing in EDs should be encouraged, since eating disorders are dangerous and even deadly, but highly treatable, especially with early detection.
Links to works consulted:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders#anorexia