By: Adriana Clark

The month of February brings awareness to eating disorders by educating others. Eating disorders have affected over 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States things like body image and poor self-esteem can contribute to a development of eating disorders-not only in young girls, but in men and women of all ages. Anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa are some of the most well known eating disorders. There are, however, many other disorders that are not commonly known such as like avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), pica (craving or chewing substances that have no nutritional value), and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED). National Eating Disorder Awareness is sponsored by the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) and their message of 2021 is to invite “Every Body to Have a Seat at the Table”. this aims to highlight individuals and communities because demographics find themselves underrepresented about disordered eating. They hope to inspire conversations surrounding awareness. Some organizations that bring awareness to eating disorders are the National Eating Disorder Association (http://www.nedawareness.org/ ) which is dedicated to bring awareness and provide resources on their website helpful videos, resources for family members, and support group information. Eating Disorders: Every Body is Beautiful (http://www.eatingdisorders.com/ ) their website provides helpful and supportive articles along with videos about eating disorders. Eating Disorder Hope (http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/) their website has a positive focus on embracing their life and promotes recovery from a variety of eating disorders. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or you know someone who is  talking to a parent, doctor, or reaching out to help by calling (800) 931-2237 where they can offer support, resources, and treatment options for you or your loved one.