Author: Breanna Mills R.D.
June 2nd is World Eating Disorders Action Day. This day of action provides the opportunity for health professionals, advocates, researchers, volunteers, policy makers and individuals and families to come together from all over the world to raise awareness on the severity and impact of eating disorders. The theme for 2020 is “Eating Disorders Can’t Afford to Wait.”
This theme is aimed to help support further education and training for providers, as well as support for those who care for someone struggling with an eating disorder.
Why can eating disorders not afford to wait?
It is estimated that over 70 million people throughout the world are affected by an eating disorder and eating disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientation, ability, age, socioeconomic status, race, or ethnic background. In addition, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.
To further educate the community on the impact of eating disorders, Dr. Cynthia Bulik, the National Eating Disorder Association and many other eating disorder organizations created the “Nine Truths About Eating Disorders” to disprove the various misunderstandings and stigma surrounding eating disorders.
Truth #1: Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.
Truth #2: Families are not to blame, and can be the patients’ and providers’ best allies in treatment.
Truth #3: An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.
Truth #4: Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.
Truth #5: Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses.
Truth #6: Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.
Truth #7: Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.
Truth #8: Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.
Truth #9: Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are important.
How to Get Involved
#ShareYourStory on social media to highlight the need for further resources and treatment of eating disorders.
Follow the Conversation by searching #ShareYourStory #WorldEDDay2020 #WeActNow and share, repost, retweet to get the conversation going!
Educate by talking to friends and family about eating disorders. If you feel safe, you could also share your story on social media.
Support someone who may be struggling with an eating disorder or their caregivers.
For more information, visit https://www.worldeatingdisordersday.org/.