Author: Cindy Engelstad B.A. ICF
Annually across the globe, June 2nd is World Eating Disorders Action Day. This day started as a grassroots initiative created for and by people affected by an eating disorder, their families, and the medical and health professionals supporting them. It aims to increase global awareness of eating disorders, spread accurate information, eradicate myths, and advocate for resources and policy change.
The MISSION of World Eating Disorders Action Day is to advance recognition of eating disorders as serious, treatable illnesses.
The VISION of World Eating Disorders Action Day is to unite eating disorder activists, professionals, and people whose lives are affected, to promote worldwide knowledge of eating disorders and recognition of the need for comprehensive treatment.
This year’s theme is Real People. Real Recovery.
The theme is based around three elements:
Lasting Recovery is possible and expected.
Evidence based treatment is essential for all in need.
Governments and communities need to fund and provide quality and accessible evidence based services, trained providers and timely response!
In addition, World Eating Disorders Action Day 2023 has identified Nine Truths about eating disorders and recovery, which are rooted in current research and clinical understandings of 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.
One easy way to support World Eating Disorders Action Day is to talk about eating disorders. Create an open dialogue with friends, family, colleagues, peers and talk about eating disorders and their impact.
You can also follow along on social media by using the hashtags: