I want to make you all aware that it is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Eating disorders are serious issues and there are a lot of folks out there suffering. Most of us have heard of anorexia and bulimia, but MSNBC recently reported that binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the US. Just as it not easy to assume that all eating disorders are the same, it is not easy to determine the cause of eating disorders.
The National Eating Disorder Association sponsors the week of awareness, and events are held all over the nation. Check their website calendar to see if there is an event happening near you. The site has a wealth of information. Best of all the NEDA website has treatment referrals for folks at risk for eating disorders.
The theme this year for National Eating Disorder Awareness week is: "Be comfortable in your genes. Wear jeans that fit the REAL you." A sentiment we can all appreciate, especially since this is the year the dreaded "skinny jeans" become a fashion staple.
theOutnet
Good campaign. I really wish highschools and colleges offered more education for people on the dangers of eating disorders. Educational posters and pamphlet should be everywhere, it should be on bus-stops, billboards, everywhere, there just isn't enough info out there.
1Yes, a great campaign. Many people only highlight anorexia and bulimia as eating disorders. But like Fit said, binge eating is very prevalent as well.
2As one who has struggled with an eating disorder for most of my adult life, I know how important support from family and friends is. While it's important to target young women in these campaigns, it's equally important to educate others--including the males (boyfriends, fathers, brothers)--in their lives about how they can help. Comprehensive school based programs that include media literacy classes, meaningful health/physical education classes, and healthy school lunches can help as can vigilant coaches and dance/gymnastic instructors.
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